By Michael Kinney
The Moore High swim team has started the 2009 season on fire. After knocking of Duncan Nov. 19, they have won three of the five meets they have competed in.
The Lions early success has coach Rhonda Nelson pleased with her team's performance.
"They have been working hard and doing well this year," Nelson said. "We have several kids that have made state qualifying times already. Usually it doesn't happen this early."
Dalton Myers has already qualified for state in six events. They include the 100, 200 and 400 freestyle races. Katie Gresback has notched five state qualifying times in the 50, 100, 200 and 400 freestyles and the 200-IM.
Nelson, who also coaches the Southmoore team, said several SaberCats have been just as impressive. Paul Le leads the charge with eight state qualifying times. That includes all four freestyle races, the 100 backstroke, 100 breaststroke, 100 fly and 200-IM. Alex Ballard has seven qualifying times for Southmoore.
"The Southmoore team is also doing very well," Nelson said. "If we could increase the number of swimmers on their team they would be doing great also."
Nelson said she a youthful squad and relies on the veterans.
"We do have many kids that have never been on a swim team before but the other swimmers are motivating them and helping them to learn and be successful," Nelson said. "This is Ryan Hoy's first year to swim and he has already made state times. I am very proud of the kids hard work and sportsmanship also."
Both Moore and Southmoore were at the Moore City Championship Tuesday. They will not compete again until Dec. 10 when they host Putnam City. After that they will have only four more meets until the postseason begins.
"I am very impressed with them making such success this early in the year," Nelson said. "I have several other swimmers that are working very hard and hopefully will qualify for state later in the season. The kids have really been working hard themselves and working hard to help others on the team."
