On Friday Feb. 21, the district swim team traveled to Penn State’s McCoy Natatorium in order to compete in the PIAA District six swimming championship. The District swim team was composed of 15 swimmers from all grade levels. For many, this was their first time traveling to the meet.
“I’m proud of myself for making it to districts,” senior Isabelle Wolford said. “I love being a part of this team, they made it a great experience for my first time swimming,”
Throughout the course of the two day meet, Altoona faced off against the four other AAA teams in the district: Central Mountain, State College, Mifflin County and Hollidaysburg boys.
“This year, I think we’re a lot more competitive against the teams here at Districts, and generally throughout the season,” sophomore Lana Luke said.
Most swimmers competed as a member of a relay team, however some qualified in individual events. Seniors Luke Mitchell, Colton Chathams and sophomore Seth Beere all competed in the 50 yard freestyle race; boys’ senior captain Trevor Wilson competed in the 200 yard individual medley, 100 yard backstroke ; sophomore Graycie Price and freshman Ella Heverly competed in the 100 and 50 yard freestyle.
On the first day of competition, Wilson got second place in the 200 IM race.
“I just swam so hard I can’t feel my head, my arm and I can’t breathe, but it’s all good because I dropped time and got a silver medal,” Wilson said.
This swim season was marked by growth and change. Last season, there were roughly 15 athletes on the roster, while this season saw nearly 40 students come out for the team.
“That was exhilarating,” Chathams said following the 200 yard medley race. “It was just fun to compete, especially because it was my first year. The race felt good, but it felt longer than usual.”
In that race, Greg Wenzel swam the backstroke leg.
“I was able to shave off two seconds from my backstroke,” Wenzel said. “I am proud of the team. We all really worked hard. We had some ups and downs, but we work really well together and I’m so proud of what this team has accomplished.”
Throughout the season, swimmers greatly improved their times and techniques. Their developments were on full display at this final meet.
“My dive could’ve been better, but I had a great race,” Price said. “I swam a 27.03 which is over a one second PR.”
Another achievement was the girls’ relay teams medaling in each of their races.
“I’m feeling really fortunate to be able to travel to districts with this team during my first season of swim,” senior Sydney Hockenos said. “There were only three teams total, so all we had to do was not false start or do something illegal. But still it is a really great milestone we should all be proud of.”
Some teammates came as alternate swimmers.
“It’s been a great experience to really watch everyone’s hard work pay off and to cheer them on,” freshman Vida Blanco-Peterman said. “Maybe next year I’ll be swimming here.”
This sentiment was echoed by teammate junior Sofia Hallinan.
“I’m very excited that I had the opportunity to come to districts this year,” Hallinan said. I’m going to miss all the seniors. When I’m a senior next year, I hope I’ll be able to swim at this meet.”
On day two of the meet, Wilson competed in the 100 yard backstroke race. Going into the race, he was seeded second, and about a second slower than the number one seed. Despite being projected to get second, Wilson ended up getting gold–automatically sending him to the state championship meet.
“I feel like we’ve worked really hard for this, so it was just so rewarding for it to all pay off, especially because it’s my senior year,” Wilson said.
Wilson, alongside some teammates, will continue to practice until the PIAA state meet which will take place March 12-15 at Bucknell University.
