Swimming goes to states: The best of the best

BY KYLEIGH SPRIGLE

The CCHS swimming and diving team went through districts and regionals to get their best competitors. Only one diver, three individual swimmers and two relay groups made it to states.

The swimmers are judged individually or in their small relay group. There are only 24 swimmers or divers in each event and only 16 groups allowed in each relay. 

Multiple girls represented the team. Junior Molly Golding got 16th place in the 200-yard individual medley. Sophomore Mallory Schleicher got 17th place in the 200-yard freestyle. 

The only male swimmer that made it to states was junior Robert Wilson. He participated in the 100-yard freestyle event and got 12th place. 

“States went well. I got close to my best time,” Wilson said. “Next year will be my last year so I am hoping to come back with a medal.

While none of the boys’ relay teams qualified for states, two of the girls’ relay groups did.

The girls’ team dominated the relays for CCHS. While none of the boys’ relay teams qualified for states, two of the girls’ relay groups did. One group placed 11th in the 100-yard breaststroke and the other got ninth in the 500-yard freestyle event.

There are three divers on the team, just one boy and two girls. Only one diver, junior Tyler Flowers, made it to states. He took home a medal by placing third against 23 other male divers

“I was able to spend more time practicing this year and have made big improvements since last year,” Flowers said. “I am going to work towards the gold next year.

The top 24 athletes in each event at districts move onto regionals. Then at regionals, more swimmers are knocked out and those who are left move on to be the state’s competitors.

Almost every event at districts had a swimmer or a relay group move on to the regional competition. At most competitions, there are usually 24 events that are split by boys and girls. There are six relays, 16 individual swimming events and two diving competitions

“Such dedication and renewed commitment brought about a great championship season.”

“Such dedication and renewed commitment brought about a great championship season,” head coach Jill Ankney said.

The season may have come to an end, but many swimmers are staying on the team. The team will be losing around 10 seniors. Some of the swimmers that made it to states will be returning next year and many of them seem hopeful for the seasons to come.

Photo by The Lariat Photography