The girls swim team finished their season strong, taking nine of their top swimmers to state. Mackenzie Wieberg and Carmen Verbeke, Freshmen, Lauren Massot and Kaitlin Tershack, sophomores, Megan Galvin and Kaitlin Kittelson, juniors, and Christine Maxey, Leah Votava and Lauren Vanek, seniors, all participated in this event. The lady wildcats finished in 18th place overall among the top schools in Missouri.

The girls trained hard for this event, but they also had other quirking ways to get themselves in shape for the state swim meet.

They have several warm up rituals including eating lemonade powder.

“We would eat it before our races when we were trying to get the state time,” said Kittelson.

The team also warmed up in the Lodge’s saunas during the week of the state meet, including several trips to Bread Co.

Swimming holds something special for everyone of the girls on the team.

“I love swimming because it involves both the individual and the team,” said Massot.

Massot achieved All-State honors for the 100 backstroke in which she finished fifth.

With Coach Kempen and Coach Kher, the atmosphere for the team is not about the pressure for the events, but rather just having fun and glorifying God.

The swim team is a great way to stay in shape, do something that you love, and to glorify God through performing to your best abilities. Though this season is at a close, next year promises more races, fun, and lemonade powder.