Swimming in Review

Samantha Saville
The Paw Print

The Adams State Swim team has had an amazing first season. The team originally consisted solely of walk-on athletes and ended with eight girls on the team in time for conference.  Coach Rebecca Sturdy came to the Adams State Swim team with a completely new philosophy on and approach to swimming. Coach Sturdy says that it was “good seeing them coming in thinking I’m off my rocker as far as technique and now watching them invest in the system and make it their own.”

Coach Sturdy’s new techniques there have enabled the success stories of the season. According to Sturdy, Annissa Jones has become a much better practice swimmer, Lauren Griffin has learned the effects of slowing down and making her stroke efficient, Chandler Osborne has dropped 14 seconds off her 200 freestyle times, and Madison Hill no longer has nerve problems in her arms. These are just a few improvements that the Adams State women’s swim team has accomplished.

The team has also had some set-backs this season as well. Old injuries have flared up on the team, forcing some to red-shirt. A few women chose to quit the team due to the intensity of the program or in order to focus more on grades. Coach Sturdy is hopeful for the conference meet and for the future of next year’s team.  Lizzy Schossow, Jessica Palacio, Lauren Griffin, and Madison Hill will all being competing at conference and Coach Sturdy feels they will surprise themselves with their conference performances.

Next year seems to be looking up for this beginning swim team. The men’s team will start next year, and Coach Sturdy already has several verbal commitments by recruits to join the team as good “point scorers.” Coach Sturdy believes the increased size of the team will make training significantly easier because since there will be more team support. “This season seems to be ending on a high note” says Coach Sturdy.