The Freedom Swim Team had a fantastic Western Conference this year, which took place at the Carrollwood Country Club, Sept. 26.  Girls placed third overall out of nine schools and boys placed second.

Many swimmers, such as Senior Jared Shollenberger, set personal best times. Shollenberger completed his 100-yard backstroke in 1:10, coming in seventh of sixteen swimmers.

“This was my goal time for this meet and I’m happy that I accomplished it,” said Shollenberger.

“It went really well. I got first in the 200 Individual Medley, setting a best time,” said Jacob Schuster, 12.

Sophomore Cobyn Panarelli finished third behind a Jr. National and state level swimmer in the 500-yard freestyle, in 6:59. Panarelli also went straight from the 500 free into the 200-yard freestyle relay. The relay team narrowly finished second place behind Middleton.

“I am definitely advancing individually in the 50 [yard] freestyle,” said Captain Genevieve Clark, 11. “My relays both got second so we will be advancing. I’m so excited.”

Clark finished second ahead of 19 other swimmers. Freshman Abbi Leisure finished third overall in the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:14.30, which is one of the best in the county despite not being her best time.

Monday was also the first of the large dive meets leading up to the state competition. The sole diver representing Freedom, Marigny Duga, finished third in the competition.

“It was very nice because a lot of the divers at the meet are the ones I practice with, so I didn’t feel as much pressure as I usually do,” Duga said happily. “I ended up doing really well.”

Swimmers that placed first or second in their events will advance to County Championships on October 7^th.