Rachael and Heather Langolf are bringing a dose of sibling power to this year’s Brandon varsity girls swimming team.
Rachael, 16, a junior, and Heather, 15, a sophomore, are one of two pairs of sisters on this year’s Blackhawks ? the other being Kristina Kovariak, a senior, and younger sister Kathleen, a sophomore.
Both siblings said they have been with the swimming team since their freshman year. Rachael said she started out swimming in the 50 yard freestyle her freshman and sophomore years before switching to the 100 and 200 yard freestyle events this year.
‘It looked really interesting,? she said. ‘I wanted to dedicate myself to a sport.?
She said the work she has put in during her first two years has paid off this season. ‘I’m a lot more dedicated and I swim faster,? she said.
Her best times of the season came against Holly earlier this year, as she achieved her best times in both the 100 and 200 yard events, trimming six seconds off her previous best time in the 200 yard event.
Meanwhile, Heather is just getting to the point where she can contribute to the team. She said she underwent reconstructive surgery on her anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee last season.
She has been rehabilitating her knee ever since, and said she is scheduled to dive for the Blackhawks in their Oct. 5 meet against Fenton.
Heather said participating on the Blackhawks? swim team was a natural fit, considering she enjoys swimming on a recreational basis. ‘It looked interesting, and I like to swim in lakes during the summer. I enjoy diving because I like doing the various tricks.?
She said her relationship with Rachael has helped both of them become better swimmers. ‘I motivate her to swim faster and to do her best, and she gives me confidence when I feel I can’t do a dive,? she said.