GRANGER High School’s swim team is gearing up for the winter season, offering students of all skill levels an opportunity to join the aquatic program. For athletes looking to prepare before formal evaluations, pre-season stroke and skills clinics will be held in the school pool after school from 2:20 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Clinicians encourage participants to bring personal swimsuits, towels, goggles, and completed participation waivers. Tryouts begin Wednesday, Oct. 21, for newcomers and continue Thursday, Oct. 22, for returning athletes; all swimmers are expected to attend both sessions before official roster cuts on Friday, Oct. 23.
Clinics focus on dynamic land warm-ups, conditioning, and stroke technique. Information posters are displayed throughout campus hallways to assist interested students.
Before attending tryouts, athletes must complete registration and secure clearance through the RegisterMyAthlete platform online.
According to the school bookkeeper, total participation fees for the season are 245 dollars. The fee covers a team swimsuit, team swim cap, and team apparel, including sweatshirts and senior recognition gifts.
Competition preparation includes technical habits as well as physical training.
“Shaving arms and legs before competitions—a lot of kids tend to do that before big competitions,” swim coach Michelle Loomis said.
Loomis noted that while pre-race nutrition routines vary by athlete, logistical hurdles pose the largest recurring challenge for team members.
“A lot of things kids struggle with are getting rides home after games, and they can also struggle with the money,” Loomis said.
Prior swimming experience is not required to join the program.
“I’ve had a few students that are afraid to put their heads in the water,” Loomis said. “We give them about a month to be able to swim without stopping, and if they aren’t able to do that, then they usually do not compete.”
Because the program emphasizes athletic growth, coaches encourage interested students to participate regardless of starting skill. Team members also report a supportive, co-ed training culture where male and female athletes train together with equal effort and expectations.
