A new wave of freshman swimmers has splashed onto the scene. So “water” you waiting for? Dive in and learn about some of the freshmen who are the future of the Logansport swim team.
How long have you been swimming and what got you interested in the sport?
Freshman Lucas Shannon: I’ve been swimming for five years. When I saw my brother swim, I thought it was the coolest thing.
Freshman Carter Massie: I have been swimming since sixth grade, and when I first joined, I thought it would be cool to do something new.
Freshman Alette Woodhouse: This is my fourth year of competitive swimming, and all of my siblings are swimmers. So, I just got pulled into it as well. I enjoy it, so I’ve just stayed throughout the years and never left.
Freshman Elyse Grenert: I have been swimming for six years. I got interested in the sport because my mom swam when she was younger.
How has high school swimming been different than junior high swimming?
Shannon: High school swimming has been different because the practices are a lot harder than I thought they would be, and it’s a completely different atmosphere.
Massie: There aren’t many differences between high school and junior high, just a different atmosphere that I have to get used to.
Woodhouse: High school swimming has been different from junior high swimming mainly because of the team dynamics. With new coaches, teammates and harder workouts, the routine of this longer season varies quite a bit from last year.
Grenert: High school swimming has been different from junior high swimming because of the harder and longer practices.
How are your mind and body personally affected when you swim?
Shannon: My mind doesn’t get affected unless something is going on or my ego gets in the way. My body is greatly affected. It’s one of those sports where you have to stay in shape.
Massie: My mind and body are affected by the cold water and trying to stay mentally focused while I swim.
Woodhouse: I’m pretty tired because of the long workouts and upcoming morning practices, but once we are a couple of weeks into the season, the meets will start, and I’ll hopefully have adapted by then. Mentally, it’s hard to stay motivated and focused, but in the end, it will be rewarding to get to compete.
Grenert: I sometimes get in my head and get worked up over little things, and my body is always tired.
How does it feel to compete and practice with upperclassmen?
Shannon: I like to practice and compete with the upperclassmen because I get pushed a lot harder. They help me with my technique.
Massie: I’m super excited to be competing alongside the upperclassmen because they are the ones I have looked up to since junior high swimming. I remember thinking I wanted to be just as hardworking as some of the upperclassmen swimmers.
Woodhouse: It is a lot of fun getting to learn and work with the upperclassmen. They’re very supportive, and it’ll be exciting to compete with them this season. My brother is a senior on the team, so it’s also been fun to be able to swim with him this year.
Grenert: It feels the same as completing practice with swimmers who are in the same age group as me.
What are your goals for the season?
Shannon: My goals are to at least get two school records, if not one, and I would like to go to state this year.
Massie: My goals for this swim season are to be the best I can be for my team and to get personal records in my swimming events.
Woodhouse: I don’t have any major goals for timing and racing this season, but I’m hoping to improve the technique of my strokes, potentially make varsity, and use swimming as sort of a break from year-round running in cross country and track.
Grenert: My goals for this season are to work on my breathing techniques and get better at my favorite events.
Have you had any fun swim moments in high school so far?
Shannon: I enjoy the coaching a lot because they try to make the practices as fun as possible even when they’re not.
Massie: There have been many fun moments while swimming this year. One of the best moments happens in every practice: having fun with my teammates and making jokes. Just having a good time at practice has been my favorite moment.
Woodhouse: There haven’t been any fun moments yet specifically, but it’s a good environment to be in with positive energy and friends, making swimming an overall fun experience.
Grenert: I have had fun in high school swimming for the most part. I enjoy it because our coach Mike Shannon puts a lot of energy and effort into coaching us and makes it a little more fun for everyone.
