The girls swim team qualified to compete in states after finishing with 7 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) District III medals. Head swimming coach Heather Kincaid, who has been coaching ten years with five seasons at CYHS, prepared athletes everyday during the season for major competitions. During the winter season, the 30 girls on the team practiced Monday-Friday as well as occasional Tuesday and Thursday mornings. These athletes trained strenuously, even after the season practices were held Saturday mornings until they reached counties, districts and states. 

    A typical swim practice consisted of setup, dryland dynamic stretching, a warm-up in the pool, training in technique, endurance and speed training, a warm-down and some stretching. Most practices are composed of swimming about 3,000-5,000 yards or  1.7-2.8 miles. All of these practices are to best prepare swimmers for meets. Kincaid tries her hardest to make sure the swimmers are ready for their events. 

    “Practice is an opportunity to try new things and fail in a safe place,” said Kincaid. 

    The team also goes through “race rehearsals” to simulate an actual meet. These meets are scored with boys and girls separate and first through fifth place are awarded points for individual events. First place earns six points, second place earns four, third place earns three, fourth place earns two and fifth place gets one. Relays are scored slightly differently where three relays can score, but if one team/school gains more than two places, they will only earn points for two. If a team gets first place, they earn eight points, second place gets four points and third place gets two. Incredibly the team broke four school records this year in meets. 

    Kincaid explained how although the main goals for the athletes were to make it to the state level her goals were to improve the swim team environment. 

    “My goals for the season included increasing team unity, incorporating new training methods and creating a safe and enjoyable environment,” said Kincaid. 

    Her best piece of advice to the swimmers was to realize the importance of the mental aspect and keeping their perspective positive. 

    “Everything can be translated into mind over matter – if you think you can’t, you’re likely correct,” said Kincaid.

    CYHS’ swim team achieved 97 first places throughout the season as well as two champion medals in the PIAA District III; won by senior Camryn Leydig in the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly. 

    “I would say my parents really motivated me but also my team. Having everyone on the side cheering for you and congratulating you when you swim well is always a great feeling,” said Leydig. 

    The state competition ran March 16-17 and for athletes to qualify, they must win their event at districts or be one of the fastest 32 in the state. 

    CYHS ranked 13th in the 200 medley relay with swimmers Leydig, seniors Ava Gemma and Molly Klinedinst and freshman Riley Sauder. The team also finished 22nd in the 200 freestyle relay with Leydig, freshmen Claire Bohannon and Sauder and sophomore Madalynn Buss. 

Overall the girls had a successful season and the sport doesn’t stop at high school for some of them. Leydig, Klinedinst and Gemma have all committed to colleges to swim at a higher level.