When Amy Whitlatch set out as the new coach for the SHS swim team, she had the expectation that more people were going to be on the team. She noted that the season started off rough, but they were able to turn that around and show that they have the dedication needed to win.
“An example of this would be the whole team being able to break their personal records,” she said.
Whitlatch said the swimmers who stayed on the team showed “great dedication to the sport.” She added that the team has improved a lot from last season.
“The team has more endurance, mental toughness and a better understanding of the workouts,” said Whitlatch, noting that the most improved swimmer this season was Evan Cooper.
The team set several goals for individual personal best, as well as goals to have individual wins at conference. In addition, they are looking to place higher in sectional than last year and break Salem swimming records.
Whitlatch said the girls did an amazing job at the conference meet. Senior Isabel Tunney has already broken the 200 free and the 100 fly school records. She was able to break two more at the girls conference. She broke the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke school records.
Senior Victoria Gomez was also a MSC champ in the 50 freestyle at conference.
Whitlatch said the boys showed great effort at last Thursday's conference meet. The boys placed 3rd out of six teams. Senior Jonny Tally had two conference wins in the 50 and 100 free. Junior Evan Cooper had a conference win in the 500 free. Jonny Tally, Evan Cooper, Blake Applegate, and Micaiah Mather had a win in the 400 free relay.
There are three seniors this year: Isabel Tunney, Victoria Gomez and Jonny Tally.
The teams will both head to sectional in February: the girls Feb. 1 and the boys Feb. 15.