Last weekend, the Langley Varsity Swim Team ventured out to Richmond, Virginia in search of a victory at the state championships. Led by Coach Ryan Jackson, the Boy’s team of Carter Bennett, Jason Fu, Will Kemmerer, Justin Rose, Devin Truong, and Garrett Walsh finished in 7th place and the Girl’s team of Joanne Fu, Michael Degrassi, Sierra Jeter, Fiona Muir, Amy Owens, Michelle Owens, Gretchen Roesel, and Bella Rongione finished in 2nd place. To prepare for states, Coach Jackson said the team, “focused on refining the little things that would help each individual swimmer and relay improve.” In the highly technical sport of swimming, it is important that you use every single stroke to your advantage.
In the electric environment at the Collegiate Aquatics Center, Coach Jackson said, “The atmosphere was very exciting – as it was State Championships and the final meet of the season, everyone was focused on performing their best. We also had a lot of fun bonding as a team.” When the team was not swimming they rested in their hotel and enjoyed meals together.
The results of the meet were in strong favor of Langley, with the Boy’s team finishing in 7th place, and the Girl’s team finishing in 2nd place in the state. A whopping 6 new school records were broken, and swimming phenom Bella Rongione shattered the state records for the 200 and 500 meter freestyle events. “ I was very pleased and very proud of both the boys and girls teams this season.” said Coach Jackson. For the state championships, 4 out of the 14 swimmers sent by Langley were freshman including Joanne Fu, Bella Rongione, Michelle Owens, and Devin Truong. The strong freshman class will give Langley a strong foundation for the next four years. Joanne Fu who finished 6th in the state for the 100 fly said, “To prepare for the next season, I and everyone else will be working hard at practice to improve even more. We’re ready to get state champs next year.” With a positive outlook and a hard work ethic, the Langley Swim Team can expect a state championship in the future.