Swim sets records at regionals, moves on to state

Benjamin Nopper, Section Editor • February 8, 2018

Fresh off a regional competition that saw the swim team qualify eight individuals in addition to three of its six relay groups, the stage is set for the state competition on Saturday.

Head swim coach Matt Franks said that he likes both his boys and girls teams’ chances to improve their respective performances at the state tournament.

“State qualifiers are back in the pool getting ready to take on some of the fastest swimmers in the state next week,” Franks said. “I think that we have a great shot at posting faster times at the state meet.”

In addition to qualifying a significant amount of swimmers, the team also shattered seven school records in last week’s regional meet.

Senior Sydney Myers said that the team’s continuous support of one another was integral to its success.

“I think what helped the team and I throughout the meet was the support from our teammates to keep going, even though we were tired,” Myers said.

Sophomore Jakob Feldman said that the regional meet was rewarding for the swim program as a whole.

“The entire season of training all led up to regionals because, for a majority of the team, that was their final meet,” Feldman said. “We had an incredible meet with most people, if not all, getting lifetime best in their events.”

Franks added that the performance at regionals set a solid foundation for the program moving forward.

“Overall I think the team did a tremendous job taking advantage of the number of swimmers we advanced from districts to regionals,” Franks said. “Having a total of 36 finals swims is incredible in any year and will provide our underclassmen with really valuable big meet experience moving forward.”

Feldman, who qualified for the state tournament on the weekend of Feb. 16, explained that both he and his fellow teammates have areas of improvements to address before the state meet.

“The preparation for the next couple of weeks is working specifically on each swimmer’s events and what we need to improve,” Feldman said. “We are working everything from stroke works to flip turns, and everything else that each swimmer individually needs.”

State Qualifiers

James Vaughn

Jed Jones

Sam Veitch

Jakob Feldman

Sloan Carevic

Natalie Womack

Raime Jones

Sydney Myers

About the Contributors

Benjamin Nopper, Section Editor

After joining staff and becoming an editor his sophomore year, Benjamin Nopper is enthusiastic to spend his senior year in the newsroom he considers to be his home away from home. Benjamin walked into room E103 two years ago feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of the unknown‒writing for an award-winning publication without much previous experience. Hundreds of articles and dozens of close relationships later, he now understands that writing enables an individual to have a meaningful impact in his community. A disciple of his former boss, Nick Smith, Nopper retains his position as sports editor for the third consecutive year while also contributing as an opinion writer. However, if it were up to him, he would run his own satire department. Outside of the newsroom, Nopper plays baseball and serves as an FCA leader. Nopper is also a member of Student Council, NHS and Spanish Club. He enjoys embarking adventures with his three dogs, spending afternoons on the golf course, and feeding his unhealthy coffee obsession. Nopper also loves to watch Impractical Jokers, the show that admittedly inspires some of his lighthearted interactions with his friends. Upon graduating, Nopper intends to study business and eventually attend law school.

Katie Bardwell, TRL Reporter

Katie Bardwell is a senior, and this is her first year on The Red Ledger staff. She is excited to finally test out the waters of journalism. Katie has always had a passion for writing and all forms of art, and one can often find her in the art rooms or the choir room. Katie taught herself how to play the guitar and plays the piano by ear. She loves music, no matter the genre (except for yodelling). If there is a concert in the area, she’s probably there singing (or screaming) along to the artist on stage. She also enjoys “finding a deeper meaning” in everything in the world. Maybe it’s because she has watched “Good Will Hunting” one too many times. Katie plans on majoring in architecture and interior design. Her choice in majors may or may not have to do with her HGTV network obsession. Katie is passionate about writing for The Red Ledger this year, and she loves getting along with her fellow staffers.