The Iola Seahorses are in the thick of a busy season.
Iola’s swim team is led by fourth-year head coach Marcia Davis and assistant coach Carter Hutton.
Veteran swimmers Bethany Miller and Laney Oswald who also participate on the team, also help with instruction.
This year’s team has 39 swimmers, ranging from 5 to 17 years old.
“Swim team is a great opportunity for swimmers to improve their skills and to use their skills,” said Davis. “It’s super rewarding to work with them and then seeing the excitement they have after their first race or after they improve.”
The Seahorses have participated in meets at Coffeyville and Chanute. Iola’s Liam Ilimaleota came in first place in the 9-10 age group 25-yard butterfly and Joshua Wanker took first in the 13-14 50-yard butterfly in Coffeyville.
Other top finishes include Toby Jernigan taking first place in the 15-18 50-yard butterfly as well as Ben Fager winning first place in the 13-14 50-yard breaststroke.
For the girls, Mariah Mathis took first place in the 11-12 50-yard backstroke in Coffeyville. Iola’s mixed 13-14 200-yard free relay team also earned first place in Coffeyville.
“We encourage them to try their best and to keep working on a certain skill,” Davis said. “If they feel like it’s too difficult, we encourage them to keep trying. That’s why we’re at practice. We do different drills and games to improve strokes.”
Practices include working on kicks, arm pulls, breathing techniques, diving and underwater kicks.
For swimmers who participate in the medley races, they must become adept at learning four strokes — the back, breast, butterfly and freestyle.
“We’ve had several swimmers improve on their butterfly, which is a very difficult stroke,” said Davis.
During practice, Davis and Hutton constantly scan the pool coaching the swimmers about their strokes and techniques.
“Before the race we talk about what stroke they are swimming. We discuss arm movement and if there’s a special touch required because on breaststroke and butterfly they have to touch with two hands,” at the end of a lap, Davis said.
Swimming provides kids an exciting summer sports option that is healthy for the body as well as the mind.
