Early Practices Resulting in Early Success for Swimmers

GVHS’s first Boys Swim Team is reaping the rewards of those 5:00am practices. Head Coach Kara Liddle is pleased with the team’s performance so far this season.

“We have had many compliments from officials and other coaches that we don't look like a first-year team. Considering that the majority of our swimmers and divers are brand new to the sport, they have come a long way since those first workouts. Experienced swimmers, like Wyatt Huffman, have really stepped up as leaders to help out those that are new,” Liddle said.

Huffman had a strong showing at the KC Classic Varsity Invitational at the Blue Springs Centennial Pool last weekend, finishing 4th in the 100 Fly with a personal best time of 55.91 and a 4th Place finish in the 100 breast with a personal best time of 1:04.44. Freshman Eli Hendricks qualified for state in diving with a total score of 234.35.

“Our 200 Freestyle Relay of Jordon Jarman, Austin Jacoby, Mark Shackles, and Wyatt Huffman continue to drop time each time we swim it. Wyatt Huffman is very close to making his automatic state qualifying times in the 100 Breast and 100 Fly, so we're hoping to get those before conference. Sophomore Jackson Lane is on track to qualify in diving as well by conference,” Liddle said.

Following a 12 th place finish at the KC Classic Varsity Invitational, the team traveled October 3rd to Henley Aquatic Center for a meet with William Chrisman. The team will then travel to Missouri Western State University on October 10 th to compete against Blue Springs, St. Joseph Central, Truman, and William Chrisman.

“I'm really just so proud of the whole team. Swimming and Diving are really hard sports and all of our boys have done such a great job committing to being there every morning at 5:00am and staying after school at least twice a week for weights and conditioning. I hope that they share with others what a great experience it has been for them and it will help to build our program for the future,” Liddle said.