Shane EvansIn the steamy pool with six lanes full, the women’s swim team embarks on another rewarding season. The Lady Cavaliers are recruiting and training for their second season with a transformation of their daily workout.
Michael Kernicky has returned as head coach, along with four assistant coaches, to give each swimmer individual attention. Having only 15 women on the teams roster, these swimmers are in need of some extra bodies. “We are recruiting heavily in the high schools,” said assistant coach, Margaret Kieffer. “We are also recruiting on campus for some girls to come out and join the team. Anyone who has any experience should come and try out.”
The Cavalier’s swim program has been up and running for two years now. There are only four returning swimmers from last year’s team. The abundance of new faces has made the team very young.
“Last season was a building year,” said assistant coach, Derek Kay. “The girls who were on the team last year were truly pioneers because it was our first year as a team.”
This year, several of the veteran swimmers have been named as captains. The captains are juniors Nina Scimenes and Lauren Walker and senior Christina Callahan. These captains have set goals for their fellow teammates this year in order to achieve greatness. “Since we are a young team I can’t wait to see how the team develops over the years,” said Walker.
With their new training regimen, the team is practicing daily for an hour and a half as well as running and lifting weights throughout the week. “With this new plan, we hope to increase all of our times and stay connected as a team,” said freshman Deborah Williams.
On the swim team, team unity can be an issue because swimming promotes individuality, but unity is still important to the ladies. One swimmer brought up the point that when the swimmers are practicing, they are completely independent. Most swimmers enjoy their time by themselves with nothing but the water.
In addition to the pool workouts, the team incorporates dry land exercising through the week of practicing. You can find them running a mile around the track for endurance or lifting weights in the gym to build strength.
With the beginning of the season approaching rapidly, the girls are showing their enthusiasm and excitement in and out of the pool. The team’s first meet is at home on Saturday, Nov. 6 against Notre Dame College of Maryland. Last year the Lady Cavs came extremely close to defeating Notre Dame last year and are ready for a come-back. They are expecting a loud crowd to be a part of their gigantic turnout.
Posted to the web by Shane Evans
