“Swimmers, on the blocks…” Adrenaline courses through your body as you step on the rough block, taking position. “Take your mark…” 

You hear a loud beep and then dive into the water. You give it your all as you stride through the cold pool, casually glancing to the side each stroke to keep track of your competitors.

As you tread to the finish line, you feel complete as you notice you beat your personal record. This is what a triumphant high school Regionals feels like, and what GRC swimmers went through in early February at the region meet.

Four swimmers qualified for the state meet to be held Feb. 18-19 at the University of Kentucky Lancaster Aquatic Center.

Coach Ashley Richardson is thrilled with the entire team’s region performance.

During the region meet, Out of 42 swims during prelims, 30 of them were lifetime or season bests. 

With such improvement in so many times, GRC’s new swimming coach can’t help but feel honored

“Being the first year coach was so exciting,” said Richardson. “I have a passion for the sport of swimming and I’m so grateful to have been given this opportunity to coach this team. I’m looking forward to growing this program and can’t wait for next season.”

Freshman Libby Taylor placed 4th in the 200-yard individual medley, qualifying her for state, and 9th in the 100-yard butterfly,

“I’m proud of my teammates and myself for going to regionals and qualifying for state,” says Taylor. “Mostly, I’m glad to be a part of the team.”

GRC is also advancing to state for 200 free relay, which includes Libby Taylor, Grace Owen, Riley Williams, and 8th grader Harper Sebulsky.

As the team anticipates the state competition, they take pride in the fact that they made it to regionals and all showed great growth in their respective events.

“My team and I put in so much work for this year’s regionals,” said junior Riley Williams. “It’s very rewarding to see my teammates and I improve our times and qualify for state. Even when competing in a tough region, we never fail to give it our all.”