Soccer is an extremely important part in some people’s lives, for others its tennis. But for a number of people at Palm Harbor High, it’s swimming. But no matter what sport you’re interested in, you have to make the team first. In the past, most swimmers who tried out made the team, but because of so many budget cuts, the team has been reduced in size.
Tryouts this year were more difficult to make, and faster times were needed for each event. In that event, only the really fast and serious swimmers who were willing to put all their time and effort towards the team made it.
For the past 4-5 years the team has been undefeated and placed at states. Coach Lisa Bitting only wants what’s best for the team and wants to put together the leanest, meanest group. She only picked the people who she thinks will continue to be fast and strong throughout the whole season and put forth their effort 100%.
All the previous swimmers were warned at the end of the 2009 school year that you should be swimming in the summer because being on the team that year, or two years, or even three years didn’t guarantee you a spot on the team in the 2010 season. “You have to prove you belong,” said Bitting.
It was especially hard for girls going into their junior year because they were pressured to make the varsity team. Some kids thought of that as a threat and didn’t even bother trying out. For some students, the new tryout requirements were no big deal and didn’t affect them in any way. For others, they had to swim as fast as they could and kick as hard as they can to beat the times and make the team.
Overall, tryouts went well and the people who deserved to make the team did. They are now getting ready for hopefully, another undefeated season for Palm Harbor High School.