by Emily Engle

Bellbrook High School’s swim and dive team finished strong with the girls’ team placing 2^nd at the SWBL meet in February, the boys’ team placing 3^rd, and four athletes moving on to compete in state competition despite the team facing several new challenges during their 2013-2014 season.  This year, the girls’ swim team moved up to Division I competition, which made state qualification much harder.  The boys’ swim team had their smallest number of athletes in years which hindered their ability to gain points in meets, and on top of both of those obstacles, the frequent snow and low temperatures this winter canceled many practices.  But still, the team persevered and did well.

According to head coach Rob Johnson, the team excelled at individual swim events, and according to dive coach Steve Schoenbaechler, diving events were a team strength as well.  Two swimmers, Drew Breese and Holly Hulett, and two divers, Hannah Collins and Sam Riggle, advanced to state competition in late February.

The swim and dive team was captained by seniors Kevin Conley, Eileen Robertson, and Hannah Collins, and juniors Drew Breese and Katie Malas, and was coached by Rob Johnson, Karen Hulett, and Steve Schoenbaechler.  Throughout their regular season, the team participated in a variety of meets ranging in size from 3 to 4 teams to large invitationals.  In early February, they moved from SWBL competition to sectional meets, district meets, and finally, state competition.  According to Coach Schoenbaechler, the dive team was particularly strong this year as all of the new divers learned skills quickly and well, and experienced divers increased their list of abilities.

The coaches greatly encourage anyone interested in the swim and dive team to try it out, as anyone can join.  They place everyone in a variety of events to find their strengths.  According to head coach Rob Johnson, his goal for next year is to “take as many kids as possible to the state meet.”  Dive coach Steve Schoenbaechler added, “My goal is [to] always look to make everyone a step better than they were before.”  The coaches believe that with the returning members and upcoming eighth graders, as well as any new members, next year will be a particularly strong season for the team.  For anyone interested in joining the team, more information can be found in the athletic office or on the school’s website.