A young team full of promise, four members of the EHS Swim Team are competing in the 6A/7A State Swim Meet tomorrow in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Sophomores Everett Gati and Hayden McDiarmid and juniors Ethan Hammons and Hudson McDiarmid make up the relay team that will compete in the 200m medley relay and the 200m free relay. Hudson will also compete in the 50m free and 100m free events.
Being a member of the EHS swim team provides several challenges: meets are at least a two hour bus ride, practices depend on the schedule at Healthworks, and there is not a junior high program. Despite these obstacles, the swim team has made great strides this season, advancing to the state meet in four divisions and ending the season as 10th overall in 6A/7A, 2nd in 6A (boys), and 3rd in 6A (girls).
Of the sixteen athletes, only two seniors are graduating this year: Haley LaGrone and Torrie Brown. As a four year member of the team, Brown has lead with heart and strength. Although LaGrone is in her first year at EHS, she has stepped up, contributing a wealth of knowledge to the team. Each leaves a strong sense of work ethic and effort to the younger swimmers.
The team has been making headlines all season, as they fight to improve their program and swim with all their heart. Head coach Stephanie Thomas said the main goal for this season has been to "build a program that consistently competes at the highest level statewide." They've also worked to improve community relations and participation in the sport. Most people aren't aware there is a swim team, and Coach Thomas and Coach Craig hope to change that. "We want our student athletes to see their hard work pays off, and this season has been proof of that."
Images from throughout the season can be found on the EHS Facebook page.