The Marian swim team is already back in the water. Coaches Carol Olson and Pat Dibiase have the team practicing day and night.
The team practices at College of Saint MaryÕs on 72nd and Mercy. ÒThe team has eight workouts a week and swims approximately 6500 yards a practice,Ó said Mr. Pat Dibiase, Co-head coach.
They swim Monday through Friday 3:45-5:30p.m. and Saturday 7-9a.m. There are also morning practices Monday and Friday 5:45- 7:00 a.m. Weight training is on Tuesday and Thursday. ÒThe practices this year have started off much harder than last years, th e coaches are getting us ready for state now and not taking any chances,Ó said junior Maggie Davis.
This year the swim team has 20 swimmers and four divers. With a new addition to the team being the diving coach Doc Hill. He has more than 25 years experience and is also been a coach for Burke High School. ÒHe is a great addition to the team id Mrs. Carol Olson, Co-head coach, Òhe will build a foundation for a strong Marian diving team.Ó
The practicing will show when the team displays their talent in meets against other schools. ÒThe team this year is very competitive and our practices are difficult which will prepare us to swim fast at State,Ó said Molly Hayes, senior.
The team already has high expectations of their swimmers to qualify and swim at state. Mrs. Olson said, ÒWe definitely have a very competitive team full of talent from all four grades. We are in the hunt for State champs.Ó
They swim team is also very confident in themselves. ÒWe are going to to better than last year. All grades have excellent swimmers and we all have experience,Ó said sophomore Jennifer Feyerherm.
The first swim meet of the season was held on Dec. 9 at Burke. Marian defeated Burke with a 117 to 75 win. Freshman quote and scores from dec 12.