Pace High School students are preparing for the upcoming swim season and next week's team tryouts by practicing their technique and form at the University of West Florida pool during this week's ‘Swim Skills and Drills' camp.
CLICK HERE: To view photos from the Pace High School Swim Team's 'Swim Skills and Drills' camp
Approaching her fourth season as the school's swimming coach for both the boys and girls teams, Amy Wolfenden is encouraged with what she has witnessed from the students thus far.
“I am blown away by the energy levels and the excitement of the kids,” she said.
Wolfenden said many of the students in this week's camp have familiarized themselves with the terminology and techniques. However, It also does not hurt to have younger students learn from the upper classmen on the team.
“They are getting to share with people that are new to our sport,” she said.
The school's swimming team has four returning seniors this year.
Several of the returning seniors, including Bryceon Snowman, Samantha Kummer and Carolyn Jenson, are also encouraged with how incoming teammates are quickly learning the basics.
“We have already come along way with where we were at the beginning on Monday,” Kummer said.
Snowman believes the school's team is thus far looking good for the upcoming season.
“I am really proud of us, I think we are going to have a great year,” he said.
Jenson said the team is continuing to see larger turnouts at the beginning of each season along with their enthusiasm for the sport.
“All of the new people are excited and everyone is working hard and I think we will be pretty competitive this year, which is exciting,” Jenson said.
While several of the Pace students practice on the different styles of swimming like butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle swimming at least three days a week at UWF, several of the students will receive additional practice while being a part of the Greater Pensacola Aquatic Club.
Members of the Pace swimming team will also undergo additional conditioning on dry land at the school at least two days a week through running and other exercises throughout the season, Wolfenden said.
Jenson said participating on the team offers students to excel both on a personal level and contribute towards the team.
“You get to compete on your own and see your own improvement,” she said. “You can also score points as a team, so everyone comes together and cheers everyone on.”
Kummer agrees, adding there is family-like feeling amongst the team.
“I love the family aspect, we all like each other and we all cheer each other on during the (swim) meets,” she said.
In addition to offering a excellent workout, Snowman said the sport also offers a great mental escape.
“I like the fact that is offers a full body workout,” he said. “Swimming is also very calming. If I am angry, I can go for swim and it will make everything better.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Pace students prepare for upcoming swim season