SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – “I think it’s really special that we get to represent our high school,” said Carson Valentine senior. “But also, this group of guys that come from all different high schools. But just having that opportunity means a lot because I’ve been swimming about my whole life.”
Swimmers from 9 different high schools around Siouxland make up the Sioux City Spartans swim team.
“It’s awesome, you know you get friends from all over. You get to meet kids from different schools across Siouxland,” said Carson Hoak sophomore. “So, it’s a great opportunity it’s really nice.”
Some Spartans put plenty of miles on the road traveling from out of town for practice, but the opportunity to swim makes it well worth the drive.
“It means a lot because when I was younger, I quit like almost every conventional sport,” said Cooper Nelson senior. “I only swam, so I was nervous when I was younger thinking about it. Because I didn’t know what was there but it’s nice to continue what I’m doing.”
Sioux City has seen plenty of success and excitement this season including para swimmer Jaiden Lovelace knocking a minute off of his 500 time.
-“Right when I dove into the water my Goggles broke,” said Lovelace. “So, I swam through that race without my goggles and when I finished I was completely shocked that I dropped a minute.”
For head coach Eric Hoak it’s fun to see the Spartans come together at what seems to be the perfect time.
“They just all have their own different piece of the puzzle if you will,” said Hoak. “Then the best part about it is every season, every team has their own picture if you will as far as the puzzle pieces. They all fall into place. Now we’re starting to kind of gel as a team and it’s the right time to peak.”
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