Saturday Swimming Preview
Preview of Saturday’s Swimming and Diving Championships
Heritage Christian – Head Coach Meg Osborne is proud of the work her squad has put in so far this year. Even though their pool has been shut down, her group remains dedicated and continues to improve. Most members of the team are focused on other sports throughout the year but come dedicated when it is time to don the goggles.
“We do not have ‘year-round, USA’ swimmers so it is very fun to see these kids improve and grow throughout the year,” Osborne said. “We have a great group of swimmers and divers with seven seniors. Some of them play baseball, soccer, tennis etc….It has been fun to watch them mature into competitive athletes in swimming and diving over the past four years.”
Osborne keeps her approach simple.
“We work to be the best that we can be! We work for personal bests,” explained Osborne. “1. Learn something technical from each swim; and 2. Learn something personal from each swim.”
How does coach think her Eagles will fair at Ben Davis?
“NO CLUE…..I haven’t watched any of the other teams??? We focus on the kids on our team and working to make them stronger, more competitive and accomplish personal bests.”
Guerin Catholic – The Golden Eagles are right where Head Coach Doug Cline thought they would be at this point in the season.
“Both the boys and girls teams have lived up to my expectations this season in many ways,” Cline offered. “First, they’ve shown the work ethic and good attitude that I’ve come to expect from Guerin Catholic swimmers over the last six years. Second, their meet performances from top to bottom have been about what I expected when the season began; however, we haven’t yet had the breakout swims that usually come towards the end of the season. We’re hoping the Conference meet is the meet for those swims.”
After having come in second the last two years, the Golden Eagles are hoping to break through and win their first girls swimming and diving conference championship. It will be interesting to see how they respond after having an extended break from competitions.
“We’ve had no meets since Christmas, and over half the team were gone over Christmas Break,” said Cline. “So, we’ve spent the last three weeks training as best we can to be ready for the Circle City Conference meet. I think we’ll be ready.”
Two Guerin Catholic swimmers will look to defend the titles they won last year. Catalina Dunasky and Mary Kate Cline both earned medals at Ben Davis in 2018. Freshman Erica Hunckler is looking to join their ranks at the top of the podium. The 200 Medley and 200 Free relay teams also look to be a program strength.
“On the boys side, Johannes Hoffman could break a few school records, as could diver Dane Leonard,” Cline said.
When asked what is unique about this group of athletes, Cline pointed to their effort and attitudes.
“I think Guerin Catholic is a bit unique in that we only have pool access three days per week, but our kids have never used that as an excuse. They have really excelled in the past despite the obstacle of limited practice time. Their attitudes and will to swim fast is the one characteristic of which I’m most proud.”