The team has drastically changed over the last couple of years. They started with no team at all just a few years ago and now have 16 girls on the team. This might be a reflection of the fact that the closest pools for practice are in Champaign and Clinton.
Junior Aliyah Ellison shared, “I really like having a bigger team because it makes the environment more fun and competitive. I also love hanging out with the girls that I have swam with since I was a little girl and making new friends with the girls that have just joined the team.”
This year with so many new girls on the team, a lot of them don’t know what to expect for this big swim meet. Freshmen Callie Poynton stated, “I am excited to see the new environment and all the new aspects of high school swimming. I am also a little nervous to see the new competition I will be racing against. I am still very excited though.”
Every night of the week, the girls travel to either the Clinton or Champaign YMCA. Some nights the girls drive, other nights the parents will drive to allow the girls to do their homework during the commute. Recently one parent, Brad Ellison, also known as Baddy2swaggy said jokingly, “They made it to sectionals? Holy cow, that is awesome!”
In the past the team has always had goals they have set for themselves. Two years ago the team wanted to place in the top ten. Last year the team wanted to place in the top six. This year the girls have set their own goals for themselves. Sophomore Jamie Claudfelter shared her goals, “I’m hoping I will set a new personal record in my event, make new friends, and just have a really good time and enjoy what I am doing.”
The girls will be swimming on Saturday November 4th. The girls will travel to Urbana Aquatic Center to compete.
Charlie Ball, Staff Writer
balch24@sages.us
The Sage Informer 
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