Swim outlook
Just short of a hundred swimmers line up on the edge of the pool deck counting down the seconds before 2:30, the official time that the lanes open.
"We have around 40 brand new swimmers this year," said assistant coach Stacie Berndt. "This is the most we have ever had."
Even with all of the new swimmers, the team has returning members from last year who carried the team to third in state for the boys and third in regionals for the girls. Last year's state swimmer, Denver Renner, has a hopeful outlook for his senior season. "This season I am focusing on breaking records," said Renner. "I want to set records that will stand for a long time."
Coach Berndt keeps a positive spin on the upcoming season. "We have several talented club swimmers and more kids trying out this season than previous years," said Berndt. "This will help us score higher at regionals. I am looking forward to competing in meets and seeing how well our swimmers, old and new, perform."
After going to state as a freshman, Lily Jesperson said she looks forward to her sophomore season. "I can't wait," said Jesperson. "I was so close to breaking the 100 backstroke record last year, so this year it is mine! I also think that our relay that went to state last year can make it again, but in two relays."
Team captain Kaden Jesperson is confident in the team. "I know that Green Valley and Coronado have put together a good team this year," said Jesperson, "but I know that Foothill has put together the best team. We have worked the hardest, and have a group of extremely talented swimmers and divers who will take us to victory."
After being injured in last year's season with ankle issues, Josh Kelley is ready to return. "I didn't like just watching last year," said Kelley. "I want to be out competing and scoring points for the team. I went to state as a sophomore so I think that I can make it this year too."
Lauren Hulshoff, a four-year member and team captain, is injured with shoulder issues but plans on recovering and getting in the pool. "I want nothing less than state," said Hulshoff. "I went last year on the relay, and I want to go again. It is my senior year, and I want to go out with a boom."
"This year is ours," said Kaden Jesperson. "We will break records, win region, and place well in state, if not win. There is no doubt in my mind that anything else will happen."
By Kaden Jesperson
"We have around 40 brand new swimmers this year," said assistant coach Stacie Berndt. "This is the most we have ever had."
Even with all of the new swimmers, the team has returning members from last year who carried the team to third in state for the boys and third in regionals for the girls. Last year's state swimmer, Denver Renner, has a hopeful outlook for his senior season. "This season I am focusing on breaking records," said Renner. "I want to set records that will stand for a long time."
Coach Berndt keeps a positive spin on the upcoming season. "We have several talented club swimmers and more kids trying out this season than previous years," said Berndt. "This will help us score higher at regionals. I am looking forward to competing in meets and seeing how well our swimmers, old and new, perform."
After going to state as a freshman, Lily Jesperson said she looks forward to her sophomore season. "I can't wait," said Jesperson. "I was so close to breaking the 100 backstroke record last year, so this year it is mine! I also think that our relay that went to state last year can make it again, but in two relays."
Team captain Kaden Jesperson is confident in the team. "I know that Green Valley and Coronado have put together a good team this year," said Jesperson, "but I know that Foothill has put together the best team. We have worked the hardest, and have a group of extremely talented swimmers and divers who will take us to victory."
After being injured in last year's season with ankle issues, Josh Kelley is ready to return. "I didn't like just watching last year," said Kelley. "I want to be out competing and scoring points for the team. I went to state as a sophomore so I think that I can make it this year too."
Lauren Hulshoff, a four-year member and team captain, is injured with shoulder issues but plans on recovering and getting in the pool. "I want nothing less than state," said Hulshoff. "I went last year on the relay, and I want to go again. It is my senior year, and I want to go out with a boom."
"This year is ours," said Kaden Jesperson. "We will break records, win region, and place well in state, if not win. There is no doubt in my mind that anything else will happen."
By Kaden Jesperson