The Bullfrogs are back with only one thing on their minds: to become district champs. The relays are in place, the lineup set, and they are ready to take off with a splash. With a strong determination to improve last year’s record of 7 – 2, the girls swim and dive team is thirsty for the competition to begin.

“I’m really looking forward to the Roosevelt meet because we have a really good chance this year,” said senior Taryn Perdue. In the last two seasons, the Bullfrogs’ record has remained unchanged, losing to their rivals Roosevelt and Inglemoor. This year however, with impressive state-qualifying times, the Bullfrogs are projected to pull out on top. Their strongest events this season are the 100-yard butterfly, 200-yard individual medley, and 100-yard backstroke.

The Bullfrogs have a strong chance of accomplishing their goal of winning the district championship with this year’s senior captains, Colleen McCann and Theresa Clemmons, anchoring the team. The strength of this year’s team lies in its numbers. There are over 50 swimmers on the team, all with the potential to compete at the varsity level.

The Bullfrogs’ strength is well attributed to the number of swimmers who practice outside of Garfield. “I think the experience they have gotten with their club teams has brought a lot to varsity,” said assistant coach Autumn Gray. “We’re a solid team.”

The swim team is supported by a talented group of divers, coached by science teacher Jonathan Stever. Sometimes referred to as “easy meet points,” the points that varsity divers bring in are often the deciding factor in which team brings home the win. Sophomore Julie McCommish has been perfecting her dives all summer, and will be instrumental in the success of the Bullfrogs.

These girls work just as hard out of the water as in. After the Bullfrogs climb out of the pool, the veteran captains take over. Every day the girls complete grueling sets of dry-land exercises. Focusing on core muscles, the intense workouts last about 15 minutes, and always get swimmers complaining. “We complain, but at least we’re getting six-packs,” said a sophomore Bullfrog.

This year’s varsity lineup is strong not only because of its depth, but because it has a stroke specialist in every event. With times rivaling those of last year’s state championship swimmers, the specialists ensure the Bullfrogs first or second place in every event.

Coach Justin Knight has every bit of confidence that his team will accomplish its goal. “We’re going to win, there’s no question about it. We’re just going to go out there and get our trophy.”