By Alexander Maier ’15, Sports Section Editor

Last year’s swim season was a great success for Country Day. Allie Wooden ’15 broke four individual school records and was also on both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays which broke school records, too. In addition to Wooden, the relays included Kira Hughes ‘15, Celia Macrae ‘15, and Avery Maier ‘13. The girls ended last season with the State meet, which was attended by Wooden (in the individual 100 and 200 freestyle) and the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. Although the team lost last year’s senior, Avery Maier, two new strong freshman swimmers, Holly Jacobs and Dee Mohan, have been added to this year’s team. The girls’ team looks to improve their chances of having more people qualify for state this year than last year with these two speedy freshmen. Wooden plans to break her already existing records this year and hopes to add her name in a few more events on the record board by breaking even more school records.

            The boys ended their season last year with winning the MVC Championship for the 5^th year in a row and four swimmers qualifying for districts; Alexander Maier ‘15, Malcolm Doepke ‘16, Alexandre Cabello ‘13, and Taylor Maier ‘15. For the district meet, Doepke qualified in the 500 and the 200 freestyle and Alexander Maier qualified in the 50 freestyle. Both Maiers, Doepke, and Cabello all qualified as a team for the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. Although the team lost senior Cabello, they have gained a speedy freshman in Charlie Sachs. The boys look to again capture the MVC Championship and qualify for State this year in both freestyle relays.

            Both Coach Benson Spurling and Coach Matt Dahl believe that the team is off to a good start this year. Coach Spurling stated, “I am very pleased with the effort and enthusiasm that our team is showing at practice. We have increased our size with 16 girls and 17 boys. The 33 swimmers this year are up from 25 last year. The added depth should really help at our dual meets and the MVC Championships.” Additionally, Coach Spurling said, “It is not too late to join the team. If there is anyone who would like to swim for the Indians please contact me (Head Coach Benson) at [email protected].”

            This year’s swim team captains are seniors Hanna Gottschalk, Susan Brownstein, and Annalise Tereck.