They have put in countless hours in the pool, endured practices beginning at 5 a.m., only to be rewarded with a second practice after school for more than three months ? and now they only have one more wave to crest.
The first group of swimmers from Clarkston High School to make the state finals in the history of the six year program are ready to make their mark at the MHSAA Division I swimming finals on Nov. 17-18 at Eastern Michigan University.
‘We are all rested and we are just waiting to compete now,? said Clarkston Coach Kenwyn Chock.
Several Wolves streaked through the water to state cut times as individuals this year.
Freshman Alyssa Vela is set to compete in the 50 and 100 freestyle sprints; freshman Molli Simpson earned a state berth in the 100 breaststroke; and junior Kandice Keen made state cuts in both the 500 freestyle and the 200 IM.
‘We have to stay healthy and focused throughout practice (before states). But, they’ve been doing that all year,? said Chock, whose team won a share of the OAA III title with Farmington Hills Harrison.
As a team, Clarkston is qualified for the state finals in the 200 medley relay as well as the 200 and 400 freestyle relays.
The medley relay team will consist of freshman Christine Seiple (backstroke), Simpson (breaststroke), Keen (butterfly) and Vela (freestyle).
Chock is not positive the exact makeup of the Wolves freestyle relays, but has a pretty good idea.
Junior Amanda Hassett and sophomore Kaitlyn Hassett are locks for both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. As returning swimmers, the Hassetts provided leadership and much needed points for the Wolves all season long.
As of press time, Chock had Keen penciled in for the 400 freestyle relay and will use Vela and Seiple in some combination to fill the final slots on the 200 and 400 freestyle relays.