From survival to sport, swimming is a great way for people to exercise and support each other. Swimming has only gotten more competitive with the popularity of the Olympics. Athletes including Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky inspire many to improve in the sport and strive to reach their goals.
Andrew Brown (9) has only been swimming for a short time, but loves the sport and how rewarding it is.
“I’ve been swimming for three years. My favorite part of swimming is the people. Even though swimming for SHS is hard, it’s very rewarding. I’m looking forward to the state meet. One of my goals is to have a 55-second 100 freestyle,” Brown said.
Swimming at Spartanburg High School is just as competitive. Throughout the 2024 season, both boys’ and girls’ teams won nearly every meet they competed in by at least 10 points, as well as winning the Oconee Invitational against 10 other schools. Many Vikings swimmers qualified for the 5A State Championship meet that took place at the end of the season. The meet included swimmers in events like the girls 200 Medley Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay and 200 Freestyle Relay; also the boys 200 Medley Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay and 200 Freestyle Relay, as well as other individual races for boys and girls.
During the season, the home swim meets, hosted at the Dr. T.K. Gregg Community Center, were full of energy and excitement as students raced head-to-head against other schools in the 5A region. As they raced thruoghout the year, Coaches Johnna Freestone, Kerry Buchert and Maggie Head gave advice and encouraged athletes to help them do well when in the water. The families and teammates of the athletes also made the swimming experience spirited while they supported and applauded their swimmers. When watching others race, teammates made sure to cheer, celebrating their improvements and developments in the sport.
Coach Johnna Freestone has been coaching for most of her life. She loves the environment and people involved in the sport and has high hopes for the future of Spartanburg swimming.
“I have been coaching since I was 15 and my favorite part of swimming is the athletes. Swimmers are special because they can do something that not all athletes can do and do it competitively. Our swimmers are truly amazing; they work hard in the pool but are also very supportive of each other for success of the team,” Freestone said. “We are so fortunate to have the group of swimmers and families that we do. Everyone involved has each other’s backs in and out of the pool.”
Claire Lauer (11) appreciates swimming on the swim team and enjoys racing again her friends at their meets.
“My favorite part of swimming is competing and being with my friends. Swimming at SHS is lots of fun,” Lauer said.
