Yet again, the GRC swim team raced to success. This season, the girls went undefeated, while the boys also held their own with great wins and times.
Even though the regular season is over, the Cards swam amazingly well at regions and advanced more athletes to state than ever in school history.
The following swimmers placed in multiple events at region and were state qualifiers; Marissa Thomas, Ellory Moore, Libby Taylor, Cooper Moore, Harper Sebulsky, Kerrigan Moore, Mollie Tucker, Ethan Hatfield, and Knox Taylor.
Coach Ashleigh Richardson expected this success from the team this season, saying, “I knew we had a good chance at placing high at regionals. The dynamic of the team was so good this year.”
Senior Captain Libby Taylor added, “Being able to say our girls team went undefeated this year is definitely an amazing feeling. As a senior, I’ve been able to see just how much this team has grown over the past six years.”
A lot of unseen work goes on behind the scenes for swimming. Some people don’t realize how long practices and workouts are, so you can be the best you are able to be.
“Just being able to know all of the long practices and weight training are paying off in the long run is so reassuring when competing,” said Taylor.
Every coach from any sport can admit that they want overall success in their programs, but only some can actually say that they accomplished that.
Over the past few years, Coach Richardson has been building up the program. “I think this program has grown tremendously in Winchester these past few years,” she said. “It is so exciting now to hear people talking about GRC swim and dive and us showing them who we are and what we are all about. To be able to say I’m the coach of this amazing team is something I’m very proud of.”
Success such as this sometimes can cause pressure, but Coach Richardson believes the team can handle what comes their way.
“I definitely think there will be pressure on the girls’ side,” she said. “Libby is our only senior, but she is a huge asset to our team individually and on relays.”
Coach Richardson said the team continues to grow in talent. “I know I’ll be adding a couple of 7th grade boys that could help us continue rising up in the region. I would definitely love to go undefeated on the girls’ side again, but we shall see what next season brings”.
Preparation for next season is ongoing as the swimmers continue to compete year-round with various outside clubs.
“Next year we will work just as hard as we did this year,” said junior Cooper Moore, “and will also strive to achieve the same things if not better.”
Coach Richardson agrees: “I think people should still be on the lookout for GRC, because we are just getting started.”
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Congratulations to our Cardinal swimmers who advanced the largest group ever to the final round of the KHSAA State Championships held Feb. 21 and 22.
Girls 200 Medley Relay – Marissa Thomas, Ellory Moore, Libby Taylor, & Cooper Moore
Girls 200 IM – Libby Taylor & Marissa Thomas
Girls 100 Fly – Cooper Moore & Libby Taylor
Girls 200 Free Relay – Harper Sebulsky, Kerrigan Moore, Mollie Tucker, & Cooper Moore
Girls 100 Back – Marissa Thomas
Girls 400 Medley Relay – Kerrigan Moore, Libby Taylor, Marissa Thomas, & Cooper Moore
Boys 50 Free – Ethan Hatfield
Boys 100 Back – Ethan Hatfield & Knox Taylor
This story first appeared in our February print newspaper.
