Girls Swim and Dive Starts Early

-By: Chrissy Wiegand-

The girls of Darien High School's Swim Team have their eyes on success for the upcoming 2009 season. "We definitely are hurting from a loss of talent last year, but I don't think there's anything our team can't achieve this year," explains senior captain Andrea Smelser. "We're still working hard to keep ourselves strong. I think we can train through it to retake our state title at the end of the season." After spending a training weekend in Block Island, knowing that their first swim meet was on September 16th and against New Canaan was definitely a source of motivation. "They're one of our toughest competitions this season, so starting out with them is going to be good for the team both physically and mentally," Smelser explained. "It's already helped us a lot because it's motivated us to get into better shape faster."

Concerning the team's trip to Block Island, this visit serves two purposes: training and bonding. "While it's a fun trip to go on as a team to get the newer members comfortable, we also do a lot of hard work. We stay at the Rohn's house for the weekend to bike, swim, run, and lounge," Smelser described. The training kicks off from their very arrival on the island. Thirty-one bikes were rented, and the team biked the three miles from the ferry to the Rohn's house. "By going on a team trip at eh beginning of the season we can really get the new swimmers and divers to feel comfortable and welcome from the start."

There are 12 seniors on the team and they are excited to see what they can accomplish this year. Go Blue Wave Swim and Dive!