The beginning of the swim season for the Tigersharks started with a meet where swimmers competed with the best opposition, themselves. Time Trials at Texarkana College on Sept. 18 created a starting point at which the swimmers could use to improve on for the upcoming season.
“[Junior] Matt Cox was very impressive winning five of the six events (50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 100 Individual Medley, 50 backstroke, 50 butterfly) and finished second in the 50 breaststroke,” Coach Carl Auel said. “We have never had anyone win all six events, and this is the first time in recent history that someone has won five. Matt is one of the most versatile swimmers and will be a big factor at the state meet in February.”
Also on the boys’ side, junior Collin Hall had a successful win in the 50 breaststroke.
“With a 30.2, [Hall] looks to be on track to break the school record [set two years ago] in the 100 breast,” Auel said.
Much competition seems to be in store for the girls’ team, with individual events and relay spots up for grabs.
“Freshman Madeleine Pellegrin won the 50 breaststroke on the girls side,” Auel said. “Departing senior Katie Thompson left us with some big shoes to fill and Madeleine will be fighting for that spot along with senior Hannah Green (bronze medalist at the Regional meet last season) and Junior Kyndal Goodwin.”
Additional rivalry between junior girls will be tough in the 100 freestyle, which juniors Elizabeth Cook and Kristian Lewis tied for with a 57.66.
“[Cook] and [Lewis] led the way in remaining sprints,” Auel said. “[They] will be the core of our sprint freestyle relays.”
Further opposition in the 200 freestyle could produce some excellent times at regionals and state.
“Junior Chelsea Albright won the 100 Individual Medley and already looks to be on track to break her school record in the 500 freestyle,” Auel said. “Chelsea also as her eyes set on the 200 freestyle record, but will fight with fellow junior Lauren Caswell and up-and-coming freestyler [sophomore] Amy McCoy to see who’s name ends up on the record board at the end of the season.”
