Swimming is something that almost everyone loves to get out and do on a hot summer day, either to cool down or just to relax. But there is a group of people that when they hit the water, it is not for fun or relaxation. Instead, it is to work hard and prepare for competition. The Altus High School swimming program has won four state titles, the last one coming in 2022, and they would like to add another one this season. The program is led by head coach Linda Wiginton and her assistant coaches, Emily Jones and Todd Kirouac. Wiginton likes the make up of her teams and she looks for them to have a successful season.
“We have a large diversity of talent and experience this year,” she said. “We have lots of new kids which is great, and we also have a core group of fast team members from last year. We are very excited about how hard they are all working.”
Both boys and girls teams will be led by strong senior leadership. On the girls side, senior Caisyn Davis is an excellent backstroker. She swam the backstroke on the 200 Medley relay at State. Caisyn was willing to swim on three relays and one individual because she knew that was what the girls needed her to do. Fellow senior Ashley Fioritto is another key member of the team. She does whatever she needs to do to make the team score points. Her strokes are all excellent because she has been swimming a long time. Injuries would stop some athletes from competing, but senior Neely Bonds, who has had two shoulder surgeries, is like the energizer bunny and just keeps going. She is a strong Senior swimmer. Neely’s character is solid. She avoids drama and strives to do her best in the pool and in the classroom. Sophomore Lilli Baker brings a lot to the table for the Bulldogs. Her strong work ethic and her competitive nature are her strong suites. She has her first State meet under her belt and is looking to build on that this season.
On the boys side, Joshua Harms is an incredible swimmer. He was second at state last year in the 100 breaststroke and sixth in the 500 freestyle. Harms also played a big role in the 200 medley relay, which finished in second place. Another senior leader, Teagan Herron, finished second in the 50 freestyle, sixth in the 100 freestyle, and was also part of the 200 medley relay team. Kaden Clendennen is a strong swimmer in many events and he can contribute to the team on many levels. Along with being a good distance and mid-distance swimmer, senior Jesus Garcia is also a solid student in the classroom. He is well liked among his peers and he is always eager to help in any way that he can. Tayden Smith is a sophomore and he loves to race and study things about swimming. He should have a solid season for the Bulldogs.
