SPORTS
March 10, 2009
19
Athlete Spotlight: Laura Guinness Staff Writer After an incredible and prodigious season, junior swimmer Laura Guinness recently advanced to the state competition in the 200 and 500 yard freestyle events. Guinness, who has been swimming for ten years, began her road to states over three months ago. Though always working hard with a quiet consistency, this season in particular Guinness put forth an extra effort. Aside from the usual preparations such as eating healthy and getting the right amount of sleep, Guinness
Guinness prepared herself in a similar fashion. “I would listen to my music,” said Guinness, “right before I got on the block and I would stretch while thinking about the race.” This was Guinness’ third year attending States. As a freshman, Guinness swam the 100 fly and as a sophomore, the 200 freestyle. Her season thus far has gone phenomenally. Through hard and tremendous training, Guinness managed to shatter Northview’s natatorium record previously set by herself in the 400 meter swim with a time of 4:39. Recently, at the district competition, Guinness swam a 1:55 in the 200 yard freestyle swim placing second and placed first in the 500 yard swim with a time of 5:09, advancing her to the state level in both events. At States, Guinness was seated 20th out of 24 in the 200 and 23rd out of 24 in the 500. She had hefty yet achievable aspirations at the competition. “I wanted to place in the top 16 at states, as well as make it to finals,” she said. Guinness swam a 1:55 in her 200 free and a 5:15 during her 500, but did
Laura’s Pre-Race Play List Party Up (Up in Here) DMX Right Round Flo Rida Lose Yourself Eminem Starstrukk 3OH!3 practiced often and lifted weights. She swam nine to ten times each week, Monday through Friday before and after school. Also, Guinness practiced many Saturdays from 8-10 am. Before each meet in the season,
We would like to thank the Northview staff, coaches, parents and students for their participation in the Schmidt Benefit dinner. We were overwhelmed by the generosity and support shown to us. A special thank you to Sofos, Jimmy Johns, the Toledo Zoo and Coldstone Cremery. - Becky, Jake & Austin Schmidt
Photo Courtesy of Ms. Huey LISTENING TO THEIR iPODS to psych themselves up for their swims are senior Southview swimmer Leslee Winfield and junior Laura Guinness. not make the finals heats. Her goal is to do so next year. In her ten aquatic years, Guinness considered this to be one of her best seasons and it was most certainly a season of firsts. This was Guinness’ first time swimming distance events, her first time swimming freestyle at
Districts, and her first time placing first at Districts. “I really connected well with the coaches and had fun with the team,” said Guinness. Guinness plans to continue swimming her senior season and possibly in college.
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