BNFF swim team has successful season leading up to State Competition

Originally published in "The Titan Times," a page in "The Voice Newspaper"

As the winter sports season comes to an end, many look back at the successes Norris teams have had. One notable, though perhaps underappreciated, is the BNFF Swim Team. Coached by Dina Scheele and Marian Wallen, the team consists of students from Beatrice, Norris, Fairbury, and Freeman high schools.

“The girls team has been very successful, similar to previous years,” Mueller said. “They recently were the Skutt Swim Invite champs, where multiple talented teams were at.”

The team has already produced one automatic state qualifier from Norris: junior Ava Snyder in diving. However, the secondary state qualifiers from Norris include: freshman Tabby Crawford in the 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay, junior Elise Van Cleave in the 50 freestyle, 200 freestyle relay and 200 medley relay, senior Delaney Biesecker in the 200 freestyle relay and senior Reed Mueller in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 100 breaststroke.

“My favorite thing about being on the team is definitely my teammates,” freshman Paikea Olmer. “I've made a ton of new friends and met people who I wouldn't have been able to meet if I hadn't joined.”

On January 14th, the girls team won the SkyHawk Swimming and Diving Invitational. The boys team placed fourth overall, behind Omaha Skutt, Lewis Central and Omaha North. The team found comprehensive success at this meet, with 26 new personal best times and 29 seasonal best times.

“The team dynamic is pretty similar to every other type of sport at Norris, despite the variety of school,” Mueller said. “I’ve actually had multiple club teammates comment on how our team seems more fun than theirs.”

The team practices in Beatrice, with Norris having to bus there. Despite the co-op nature of the team, practices are similar to every other team: a warm-up and daily sets. Usually, the team ends up swimming around 3,000 yards at practice.

“I really like how the team prioritizes competition and enjoyment simultaneously,” Mueller said. “I’m very grateful to have an environment where I can succeed competitively while enjoying the sport.”

On Thursday, the 26th, the team is hosting their own dual against Lincoln Northstar and Northwest at the Beatrice YMCA. This will be the final dual of the year for the team. It also doubles as the senior night, giving a chance to recognize the hard work and dedication of the seniors on the team.