Varsity Swimming

Casey Hill Goes Behind the Scenes of the JMSS Swim Team Tryouts

Written by: Casey Hill

The first JMSS Swim Team practice was on Thursday October 5, 2023. The Swim team is open to any and all students at John McCrae SS; whether they have swam competitively before or they are just starting out.

Coaches Ms. Corner Gardiner and Ms. Danells, placed the athletes in one of four divisions: Novice division, for swimmers who have not swam competitively before, (typically grade nines). High School division, for swimmers who are no longer novice swimmers; as well as for swimmers who train exclusively for the swim team, no other aquatic school sport. The para-swimmer division is for para swimmers. Lastly, the open division is for all other athletes.

Why do students join the swim team? After asking some swimmer students at John McCrae here’s some responses:

“I joined the swim team because swimming has always been a big part of my life. I've been swimming since I was two years old, but I've never been on a team so I decided why not? I'm already a good swimmer.” Razan Sherif said. “Other than swimming, I’m most excited to form relationships with my team members and competitions.” Razan said, after being asked what she was most excited for.

Ava Benkie says, “I've been a competitive swimmer for a few years, and I wanted to get more involved with school sports. I'm also really excited for racing and competitions. That being said, I´m also nervous about hopefully qualifying for OFSAA in Toronto.”

A common response to ‘why did you join the swim team’ is: “ I wanted to join and be a part of a school sports team, and swimming seemed like a good option,” like Fae Memish said.

Just as important as the athlete's thoughts, are the coaches' thoughts. “I really enjoy swimming,” Coach Danells said. “I swam all throughout school on my high school’s team, then I joined the varsity Carleton swim team. I love swimming and I wanted to teach kids the sport I love".

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