The Boys and Girls Swimming Team here at CHS is about to start their season next week! With their new coach, Jenni Kellstrom, and having practice all week, both boys and girls have been training to have an incredible season this winter.
“As a staff, we’re really looking forward to the Championship season for our team,” Coach Kellstrom says. “It’s always an exciting time.”
This year is Coach Kellstrom’s first year coaching for CHS’s swimming team and was even a former swimmer here at CHS. Kellstrom was a six-time state champion and won the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard backstroke three years in a row. After she graduated she went to swim at Auburn University where she was one of the best swimmers! She was a semifinalist for the 100-meter backstroke at the 2000 and 2004 United States Olympic Trials. Chesterton is super enthusiastic about what is to come with this season and cannot wait to see all of the work both the students and the coach have put in for it.
Pre-season is a huge commitment for our swimmers and requires a lot of work and time to commit to it. It’s extremely important that all athletes attend all practices to build muscle and strengthen themselves to do their overall best this season.
“Pre-season is really important,” senior Rachel Dildine, who recently got a swimming scholarship to the University of Iowa for her outstanding skills in the water. “You have to make sure you go to all of the practices even if they are not required, and really focus on getting back in shape.”
Overall, last year’s swimming team did fantastic! While last year they did lose a lot of their seniors, making it difficult for the swim team to effectively win more competitions. A huge loss for the team last year was losing against Crown Point for their Dual Meet. But with the help of a new coach the team is excited for what’s to come. Even with the loss of some of the seniors last year, both teams were able to adjust to the change and get to know each other a lot better.
“There was a big change in how we practiced and we were able together well with that separation,” says Dildine.
The first official meet for both boys and girls takes place next Tuesday, an at home meet, and will be against Merrillville. The lineup for this season includes three relays and nine individual events, which also includes diving. Each team will be allowed three athletes per individual event and three, four member relays per relay event to compete for points. Overall, this season has some very talented swimmers and Coach Kellstrom could not be more excited to coach this year.
“Our team has a lot of depth and everyone has a chance to stand out this season,” says Coach Kellstrom!
The school wishes both boys and girls good luck for this upcoming meet and wishes them even more success for the rest of the season! Make sure to go and support your fellow students and cheer them on at their swim meet. Go Trojans!
