One of the multiple sports affected by the COVID-19 outbreak at Sheridan High School was the girls swimming team. Powering through the multiple guidelines, quarantines and finishing out the season was a victory in itself. 

   The girls swim team went an entire season having two-a-day practices, early mornings, and long trips to swim meets. The team had morning practice from 5:45-7:15 on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; as well as practice after school Monday through Friday. On top of their packed schedule the swimmers still have to fit in homework and make it to class to be eligible to race at meets. The team is tired, hungry, and beaten up by the end of the year, but nevertheless they are in peak physical and mental condition to perform at the state swim meet. “Practices can be hard, but having a good group of girls around you really helps you get through the long hours,” said senior Libby Green. Although the swim season is long and tiring, every swimmer on the team enjoys the teammates they are around and the competitive spirit surrounding the team. 

   This year’s state was held in Cheyenne Nov. 7. “State is my favorite meet,” said senior Dana Weatherby. “It feels like you swim better and everyone PR’s.” Overall, the Sheridan team got eighth place with a total of 78 points. Out of the 15 girls on the team 10 of them made it to state, which is better than the aspired half of the team that was hoped for at the beginning of the season. 

   A large amount of the girls on the team placed well in their events. Larqin Duca got second in her event. The medley relay team got fifth and the team consisted of Green, junior Isabel Cleland, sophomore Jaylynn Morgan, and sophomore Lilly Mountain. Cleland also got 10th in the 200m individual medley, followed by Morgan’s fifth place finish in the 100m butterfly. Alex Rambur got 12th in the 500m freestyle, and Green got eighth in the 100 backstroke, as well as Cleland’s eighth place finish in the 100m breaststroke. The 400 freestyle relay consisted of Alexa Rambur, Sydney Black, Green, and Weatherby. The team got a time of 4.03.32 at the state meet. Maggie Mosely got 11th overall in the diving finals. Overall, the team did a good job of performing on a big stage at the state meet. Ultimately, Laramie would get the gold, while Cheyenne Central would take home silver, followed by Campbell County getting bronze.

   The team was happy with their state qualifications but had wished to finish higher in the team’s overall scoring at state. “We didn’t have very many seniors,” said assistant coach Adam Martin. “The ones that we did have really stepped into the leadership role. They all qualified for state, so they kind of had that closure to their last season.” Although the next girls swimming season is far away, the coaches are now quickly preparing for the boys swim season in the winter time.