Last Saturday, Oct. 11, the Saint Stephen’s varsity swim team competed in the tri-country districts, facing off against 16 teams at the Sarasota Selby Aquatic Center. The Falcons achieved a personal best in the 200 free relay, placing 6th out of 20 teams.
As their regular season comes to a close, the Falcons are now preparing for Districts.
New Head Coach Steven Johnson has 10 years of coaching experience, most of that time with other high schools in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
Already in his first year at Saint Stephen’s, Johnson appreciates the potential he sees in his swimmers.
Senior Danielle Weathers has been a member of the swim team since 8th grade. Weathers has been focused on sharpening her techniques, improving her times, and being unified with her team.
“My mindset for districts is to continue to improve my personal times.” Weathers said. “Even though we’re still small, we’re still doing really well compared to, like teams that are super big.”
The Falcons aren’t only chasing titles but finding their best selves. The preparation for districts includes mental focus, recovery, and most importantly team spirit. Along with Weathers other rising stars are coming into play.
Blair Wootson, a junior and 3-time recorder holder, has been positioning himself to succeed in districts and potentially beyond.. Along with taking recovery time seriously and still focusing on intensive training, Wootson also focuses on taking time to notice the small things.
“The little things mean the most,” Wootson said. “Something my coach just told us is that we’re not reaching for perfection. We’re just trying to be better than what our talents have given us,” Wootson said.
The program may be small, but the team has a strong belief system on the things they want to achieve.
As the Falcons head to districts in two weeks, they go with one goal: to show their hard work in the pool, discipline and growth in practices, and unity as a team.
Junior Camryn Sanders, has been swimming for over seven years and has set her mind set on grand goals.
“I really want to go personal bests and try to work my way up to the States. That’s my biggest goal,” Sanders said.
