In the echoing chambers of the St. Peters Rec-Plex, the St. Charles High swimming team dove into watery warfare against their opponents during the Gateway Athletic Conference swim meet. They may not have had a year-round team like the other teams at the conference,, but they amazed not only their foes, but themselves with their skill and dedication.
“We had 64 personal records,” swim team co-captain senior Maddy Rosner said.
Rosner obtained seventh place in the 200 Medley Relay, seventh place in the 500 Freestyle and fifth place in the 400 Freestyle. This attests to the incredible stamina and challenges the swim team endured, as Rosner says it was only at the last bit that she had to drag herself out of the water. Rosner’s performance was only a part of a great show of teamwork.
“The team also finished fifth overall as a team with the highest GAC team total in six years,” swim coach Paul Wright said.
The team’s dedication and commitment got them a high placement, and also positive comments from other schools.
“We get told by other coaches that we have such good team morale,” Rosner said, “we’re always cheering each other on.”
Returning and new swimmers alike felt proud of their performance at the GAC.
“I did good,” swim team co-captain Joey Jackson said.
Jackson obtained a seventh place ranking in the 200 Individual Medley, fifth place in the 400 Freestyle Medley, and seventh place in the 200 Medley Relay. Jackson, a returning swimmer, set goals for herself and aimed high, putting forth her best effort and “trying to get a medal.”
Wright noticed and took pride in the swim team’s accomplishments.
“As a coach, I cannot be more proud of how the Pirate girls competed this year at the GAC Championships,” Wright remarked.
The swimming season is over, but swim is the type of sport to stick in a swim team member’s heart for the entire year. So for the great and grand SCHS swim team, SCHS gives thanks for the entertainment and the lessons in teamwork, dedication and girl power.