Women’s swim team finding early success

On Sept. 12, the women’s swim team hit the water, as they faced off against the Dubuque Hempstead Mustangs. So far throughout the season the team is 4-1, with their only loss coming at a big invitational that featured the top three teams in the state. They have won one invite, and three duals so far this season.

Sophomore’s Taytem Lehmann and Paige Wilson have been a big help to the team. Lehmann currently has the top times for the Tigers varsity in the 50YF, 100YF and 200YF. Wilson currently has the top times for the Tigers in the 200 YIM, 100YBR and the second fastest time in the 50YF.

At the dual against Dubuque Hempstead, which took place at Holmes Junior High, the Tigers beat the Mustangs, 137-42. 

“I am very proud of the team this season. We have been undefeated in duals so far, and I hope it stays that way,” sophomore Ella Bobeldyk said. “Our normal team goals are to have fun, work hard, be a family and win championships. We believe that if we do the first three things, the fourth one will come easily. A big goal for the team is to place better than we did at state last year, which was 7th.” 

In the 50Y freestyle, Lehmann took the win with a time of 25.50. In the 200Y freestyle relay, the Tigers took up the podium, as they had teams finish in 1st, 2nd and 3rd. In the 100Y freestyle, junior Emma Mason finished in second with her time of 57.19. The Tigers pulled off another win in the 400Y freestyle relay, with their B team also finishing in second place. Senior Sophia Mason won the 200Y freestyle, with her time of 2:06.93. 

Cedar Falls once again went first and second in the 200Y medley relay. In the 500Y freestyle, the longest event of the night, junior Amber Jacobs finished in first place, followed by her teammate, freshman Ella Gardner in second. 

In the 100Y backstroke, the Tigers went 1-2-3, with Mason leading the way. In the 100Y breaststroke, Bobeldyk took the win for the Tigers. In the 200Y individual medley, Wilson destroyed the field, as she won by 17 seconds. These performances earned the Tigers a huge win over Dubuque Hempstead. 

“I am proud that I was able to have a good time in the 200 IM, and I was happy to be able to take the win. It felt good to have a good performance, especially with all of the work we have put in,” Wilson said. “The team works hard. We have practices before school in the morning, and after school as well. These consist of swimming and lifting. It takes hard work and determination to win a championship.”

The Tigers’ next meet will feature Ankeny, who is not a team in their conference, but is evenly matched. It will take place on Sept. 21 at Holmes Junior high. Tickets are available for purchase on Bound before the event. The team will be looking to advance to 5-1, with the ultimate goal being a state championship.