BY TAYLOR GIORDULLO
“Our record proves that all the hard work we put in pays off,” says Claire Mongenas.
For the Mariemont girls swim team, the pool is not a place of leisurely relaxation, but rather where they practice and compete against swimmers from other schools. This year, they remain undefeated in their division.
And with the excitement of how theseason has progressed so far, the girls have high hopes for the upcoming post-season.
“I want the team to take more people than ever to the State meet!” junior Claire Mongenas, who swims 100 breaststroke and 200 IM, exclaims. Her twin sister, Ingrid, agrees with matched enthusiasm.
Freshman Claire Gilmore, who participates in most freestyle events as well as the 100 fly, shares her teammates views. However, she also has some more specific hopes for the team.
“I hope we can get all four relays (200 freestyle relay, 400 freestyle relay, 200 medley relay, and the 400 medley relay) to State this year,” she says.
- Mariemont girls swim team recieving award at the swim meet in Toledo. (Photo taken by Claire Gilmore)
While the girls dream of filling all the seats on a bus bound to State, they can also qualify individually. So, each of the swimmers also has personal goals that she wishes to fulfill heading into the post-season.
“I was an alternate last year, and it was such a great experience,” says Ingrid Mongenas, who competes in the 50 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke. She hopes to be able to go again this year to relive that experience and see how she compares to other the swimmers across the state.
Her sister, too, has goals.
“I want to make it to State in two individual events and two relays,” she says. This would be an improvement for her from last year, where she qualified in only one individual event.
No matter what dreams the swimmers have individually, they believe the most important thing is trying their best and competing as a team.
