The Independence swim team is preparing to compete at the District Championships after a successful performance at sectionals on Friday and Saturday, February 13 and 14. Multiple swimmers qualified for the meet in both individual and relay events, highlighting a strong season for the team.
Senior Nora Olexa stood out at sectionals, where she recorded her season-best times at the CSU pool. Earlier in the season, Olexa dealt with an injury and illness that affected her performance, but by the time sectionals arrived, she said she felt more prepared and ready to give her best effort.
“I was more prepared to swim and to give it my all,” Olexa said. “By the time sectionals rolled around, I was determined to go to districts.”
Olexa competed in four events at sectionals: the 200 medley relay, where she swam freestyle, the 200 freestyle, the 500 freestyle, and the 400 freestyle relay. Freestyle is her primary stroke, and she says some of her strengths include a strong kick, a powerful pull, and endurance, especially in longer races like the 500 freestyle. According to Olexa, the 500 freestyle is her strongest event, while sprinting events such as the relay legs can be more challenging.
Other IHS swimmers who qualified for districts include senior Gianna Londrico, juniors Katie Ksiażka, Sophie Polter, and William Stray, sophomores Jackson Scarcella, Jacob Repicky, and Emma Bohrer, and freshmen Alex Jaworske. Jamie Tresp and Evan Grassian will serve as alternates.
The team will also compete in relay events at districts. The boys 200 medley relay team includes Scarcella, Repicky, Jaworske, and Stray. On the girls side, the 200 medley relay team will feature Londrico, Ksiażka, Polter, and Olexa. The girls will also swim in the 400 freestyle relay with Ksiażka, Polter, Bohrer, and Olexa.
With several swimmers qualifying across multiple events, the Independence team is looking forward to representing their school and continuing their success at the district level.
