Alta swimming team ready to take on new region

Alta swimming coach Pat Thurman has watched the Hawk program grow into a contender in the pool, especially on the girls team. But this year may see a switch in strength.

“The pleasant surprise is the boys team,” he said. “I really like where they are performing right now. Across the board, we are faster than we were last year. The improvement has been phenomenal.”

A lot of praise being heaped on the swimmers from their coach, considering the experience level this year is down from previous teams.

“We graduated quite a few contributors to last year’s team,” Thurman said. “We really only have four returning from the boys’ state team, but they are setting a great example and helping bring the younger swimmers along.”

The returning seniors on the team are Atticus Shelley, Andrew Bakker and Nathon Hodson. All three are team captains and bring certain qualities to the team.

“Shelley is the consummate team player,” Thurman said of his captain. “Swimming is usually seen as an individual sport, and it mostly is. But he does the little things that need to be done and helps the entire team out the best he can.”

Bakker came to the team to help him prepare for the spring water polo team. Using it as a means to get in shape for water polo, Thurman said Bakker has also become a good swimmer.

“He also has grown into the role of leadership our team needs,” he said. “Although he didn’t start out as a dedicated swimmer, he has a shot at qualifying for the state meet.”

Hodson, the final senior, sets an example in the way he handles pressure, according to Thurman.

“Athletes are their own worst critics,” he said. “They get down on themselves when they do bad. But nothing seems to rattle Hodson. If he has a bad swim, he is able to shake it off. That’s important to prepare for your next race.”

Also on the boys team is a first for Thurman.

“I have my first junior to be a team captain,” he said. “Jayden Rasband was voted into the role because of his abilities.”

Rasband is a returning state performer in the freestyle events, but can swim butterfly and backstroke just as easily.

“He has already beat his best time from last year in the freestyles,” Thurman said. “He should contend to make it on the podium at state this year. He is blooming into the next star on the boys team.”

The girls team is starting out a little slower than in previous years. The girls finished third last year behind 5A champion Brighton and runner up Skyline. While Brighton remains a force in 5A swimming, Skyline has moved to the 4A ranks, which should help Alta move up in the ranks.

But injuries have hampered the team early, something Thurman hopes they can overcome.

“We are in that dangerous position of having lots of potential,” Thurman said. “The expectations are higher after last year’s finish. Plus we have a number of returning state qualifiers and even some champions.”

Senior captains Taylor Coffey and Hailey Wilkinson return to the team after being part of Alta’s 200-yard freestyle relay team, which won the state title.