Glasgow Swim Preparing For Divisionals

The Glasgow Kiwanis Swim Team finished in fifth place this past weekend at the Glendive meet.

The Thunder did have the highest average of points per swimmer despite the small number of swimmers who made the trek with 23.2 points per swimmer (pps) Sidney 20 points per swimmer (23 points for Glasgow).

"The team did outstanding," said Thunder co-head coach Irene Whitmer. "We had several swimmers that tried out newer events and they excelled in those events."

What has been the method of operation the past few meets for Whitmer and fellow co-head coach Whitney Billing is to pluck swimmers from their usual routine of events and place them in events that they might not necessarily have much experience."

The method has paid off tremendously for the coaches as their swimmers have performed well in the events that may normally be out of their comfort zone.

Jordan Kulczyk competed in the 100 fly and 200 IM, Tosha Sand competed in the 200 IM, Katie Kaiser competed in the 200 IM and Dalton Sand participated in the 100 freestyle. After Sand's performance in his event, the coaches decided to switch the 100 free as one of Sand's main events to compete in upcoming meets.

"We do try to put the swimmers in events that will get them points," Billing said. "Swimmers want points. They're there to excel personally, so we try to put them in places that will give them points and also help the team to make up the possible point differential in the meet."

The coaches said that when they approach their swimmers about trying new events, the feet dragging from the swimmers is at a minimum.

"When you first mention it, it's out of their comfort zone," Whitmer said. "You have to talk them through it and get them comfortable with it and remind them that we wouldn't suggest it if we didn't think we can do it."

The coaches are hoping to get at least 20 swimmers out for the meet in Lewistown this week but don't find out the exact number of swimmers that will be making the trip to any specific meet until Wednesday of the meet.

Glasgow will travel to Lewistown this weekend for one last meet before their Divisional swim meet in Chinook on July 26.