By Jane Hakiyimana
The varsity swim team competed in the district meet on Jan. 21 in Lubbock, nine swimmers will advance in different races to compete in regionals in February.
¨I am very proud of each and every one of our swimmers,¨ swim coach Kelly McNamee said. They have worked very hard for the big meet and swam over 250,000 yards this season, which is about 1,000,000 flip turns.¨
Swimmers Anastasia Braun, Kristina Braun, Liliana Ortega, Emilee Thompson, Olivia Horn, and alternate Reagan Nickell will advance to regionals in the girls’ competition. Boys advancing are Jayden Palacio, Landon Schroeder, Levi Huddleston, Finn Voss, and alternate Thomas Figge.
McNamee began coaching the varsity swim teacher six years ago, coaching both Cooper and Abilene high schools. McNamee is currently focusing on less yardage, and more technique drills for taper, the time leading up to a big competition where swimmers decrease their training volume while increasing their rest.
“I am grateful to coach both AHS and CHS swimmers,” McNamee said. “We are like one team and the swimmers have made it a great experience to coach together.”
Senior varsity swimmer Anastasia Braun is advancing to regionals in medley relays, 200 free relays, and 400 free relays. Braun is currently working on techniques for her strokes. Braun has enjoyed her time on varsity swim.
¨I have been on the swim team for four years and I joined because I was cut from volleyball going into freshman year, but it worked out perfectly because I love my team, ¨ Braun said.
Another varsity swimmer advancing is fourth-year swimmer senior, Liliana Ortega. Like Braun, Ortega will advance in medley relays, 200 free relays, and 400 free relays. Ortega is currently focusing on controlling her breathing, getting good nutrition, and drinking tons of water to prepare for regionals. ¨My swim season has been the best, we have grown to be close like a family, and we love our coach very much, she has been there for us through many things,¨ Ortega said.
