While hosting last year’s OAA Division III champion, Farmington Hills Harrison, on Sept. 13, Clarkston Swim Coach Kenwyn Chock felt many swam scared during the meet. Fortunately for Clarkston, jitters during the meet did not lead to a defeat afterwards as the Wolves bested the Hawks 97-89.
‘They are the defending league champions. I knew it was going to be a tough meet for us,? said Clarkston Coach Kenwyn Chock.
?(The victory over Harrison) is big looking down the road. I don’t see anyone stopping us,? said Chock. The girls are confident but we are not looking past any meet.?
Against Harrison, junior Kandice Keen finished first in the 200 IM with a time of 2:19.56; and also won the 500 freestyle with a time of 5:34.47. Sophomore Alyssa Vela also won two events for the Wolves, posting a 25.47 in the 50 freestyle and a 55.72 in the 100 freestyle. Vela has qualified for states in both events.
Clarkston’s other individual state qualifier, freshman Molli Simpson won the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:11.19. Had Simpson not already qualified for states in the breaststroke, her time against Harrison would have made the cut. Simpson and Vela teamed with junior Amanda Hassett and freshman Christine Seiple to win the 200 freestyle relay against Harrison as well.
The prevailing theme of Clarkston’s season this year is the Wolves new found legitimacy as a program. Clarkston will be represented by swimmers at states for the first time in the program’s six year history this year. The Wolves have also qualified their 200 medley relay for states in addition to Vela and Simpson’s berths.
Chock feels that Keen is on the verge of joining Simpson and Vela as an individual state qualifier.
‘It’s just a matter of time with her. Kandice Keen is ready for a break out meet,? said Chock.
Chock also plans to see Clarkston qualify two more relays for states in the near future.
The next chance Keen and the rest of the swim team have to raise their own bar is Sept. 22 at Berkley.