Andrea Shacklock represents TJ in State Swimming Meet, rest of team gets a well deserved break.
Andrea Shacklock finished in 30th place at the State Swimming Meet on February 13th. photo by Kevin Fleming
After a long, strenuous season filled with ups, downs, and everything in between, the Thomas Jefferson Ladys’ Swim Team said goodbye to the pool until next season.
That is for everyone except Andrea Shacklock, TJ’s lone competitor in the State Swim Meet this year, which took place at Mountain View High School on February 13th.
Shacklock, who stole 1st place in her event at the City Swim Meet, was nervous competing at the state level. “I was really nervous and really excited at the same time,” commented Shacklock. This was the first time that Shacklock has swam at state for any individual event, and against such high caliber teams.
“State was at a great venue this year and the other teams looked loaded [with good swimmers], and were intimidated at first glance,” said Head Coach Cindy Allen.
Shacklock performed justifiably well, placing 30th out of 37 girls in the Women’s 50 Meter Freestyle Event. “It was a tough race for Andrea,” said Allen. “It appeared she had some trouble overcoming her nerves, but I am ecstatic that she made it this far and swam as well as she did.”
Even with the end of this season, the work never seems to stop. Allen now must begin the never-ending task that is recruiting girls for next season. The job seems to get harder and harder every year. “Maybe it is a sign of the times, but fewer kids, not only in swimming, seem to be coming out for sports,” says Allen.
As of right now, the team appears a little unbalanced with the number of swimmers from each grade class. This year, there was a small turnout from seniors, but a large number of junior girls. “We seem to be on an every two year schedule where we get a large group of girls. It is in those off years that we seem to struggle with recruiting,” said Allen.
Next year, the team will be anchored by a senior class of about 12 girls, and now it is Allen’s mission to bring in a larger number of younger swimmers. “It is my job to travel to 8th graders and tell them that TJ is a fun school to come to, especially if they are interested in swimming in high school,” Allen stated.
The process of working towards better results next year has also already begun. “This was a building year. We have a strong junior and sophomore class, and as those girls continue to improve, they will be a dominating force in the near future,” said Allen. “Next year we need to continue to work on our speed and self confidence. All of the girls have the skills to be the best, but they need to know that themselves. Swimming is a sport where if you don’t think ‘I’m the best,’ you won’t perform at your highest level,” commented Allen.
This year, the junior girls are already anticipating the idea of being team leaders for next season. “With 12 seniors next year, I am hoping we will be able to dominate,” said Junior Colette Hernandez. “It means a lot to me that I will be in a leadership position for the younger girls on the team,” she added.
Allen has worked hard all year with the girls, and one area the team is commended on frequently is their sportsmanship. “Many teams, especially the suburban teams, compliment us on how well behaved our team is. Just simple things such as picking up our trash and showing courtesy towards other teams gains us respect,” stated Allen. The ability to have courtesy and manners when not swimming is something the team has pushed for all season.
“We work as a team in practice on our sportsmanship and respect towards other teams, because that is just as important as swimming itself,” said Senior Hall Hupperts.
In the off-season, the girls will have the opportunity to continue to swim during the spring boys’ swimming season. Allen also recommends joining a recreation league to stay in swimming shape. “Swimming is a great sport promoting discipline and hard-work, and can be done almost anywhere there is water,” said Allen. “Joining a rec. league would be a great way for the girls to continue to improve when not at TJ. Rec. leagues are great because the girls can work at their own pace and the pressure during a season is lifted.”
Taking a look back on the season Allen could not be happier with her ladies. “We had a great season,” Allen said. “When it came time to step up to the challenge, the girls that needed to, did. I could not be any more proud of how hard they worked all year. I know why I love coaching this sport. It is because of the girls who go out there and give it their all every day.”
As for Allen, she is already hard at work herself as head coach for the boys’ swimming team, whose season starts in early March.
