The season has come to an end for the FHN boys swimming team as they had their last meet between Nov. 3-5 at the St. Peter’s Rec Plex. It was GAC’s (the conference meet) and was hosted by Fort Zumwalt South. Sophomore Patrick Fountain, who swims the 100 yard Breaststroke and 200 yard Individual Medley, qualified for State.

“I’m pretty happy because I’ve been trying to for two years,” Fountain
said.

Throughout the season the boys practiced at the Rec Plex with the other Howell schools every night from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. They swam 3,000 to 4,000 yards, approximately two miles, every practice to improve their time as well as endurance. They participated in 13 different meets throughout the area against numerous
schools, including Fort Zumwalt South and West, who were considered their toughest competitors.

Even with such challenging opponents, junior Nate Weiss was able to make it to State with times such as 55.11 in the 100 Backstroke and 1:50.62 in the 200 Freestyle. Swimmers such as Jake Simms also had a good season with his highest time in the 100 Freestyle being 1:02.20 and 25.42 in the 50 freestyle.

“In one meet I got first in the 50 free,” junior Jake Simms said. “That felt really good.”

Even with a positive attitude among the players, the team was at a disadvantage.

This season there were only ten members compared to the other teams in the district which had about 25 members each. However, they have won more events this year because they have improved their skills.

Another asset to the team was Austin Anderson, the team’s only diver, whose best score this season was 128.80. The support from other classmates also encouraged the swimmers.

“When we had KOE [athlete appreciation] night, the turnout was phenomenal,” coach Steve Kelly said. “There were 50 to 60 students and half a dozen teachers there.”

Although the team was at a slight disadvantage with limited members, they were happy with how the season turned out.

“I think we’ve done well,” Fountain said. “We’ve definitely improved a lot from last year.”