The Joliet West and Joliet Central girls swim team are starting practices and meets! The team consists of 25 girls from both Joliet West and Central highs chools. There is both a varsity team and a JV team. 

On Thursday August 27, the team had a mock meet because their first meet against another team was canceled. No spectators were allowed on deck and the JTHS boys swim team helped time the events. Swim certified trainers came and helped judge the meet as well. The girls put their whole heart into the meet, even though it was only a mock meet. Some girls even achieved their best times. 

All the girls have been diligently following the regulations and protocols put in place. The girls stay six feet away while getting into the pool and while in the pool. Temperature and symptom checks are taken by the coaches before the team is allowed on the pool deck. Every item on the pool deck is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized by the lifeguards. Everyone has been very diligent in keeping and following the protocols. 

On Thursday September 3rd, The team had a home meet against Riverside Brookfield. The teams both had limited rosters. Nine girls came from the JV team, and nine from the varsity team. Riverside Brookfield ended up beating Joliet, but what matters most was that the girls put in their best effort and had fun. Being only the first meet of the season, the girls performed very well.

The swim team has been practicing at the Inwood Park District pool. When Inwood was allowed to open and the IHSA approved the swim season, preparations were made for tryouts to be held. Tryouts were held August 10, and practice started a few days later. The coaches chose not to drop anyone and have A and B practices for the JV team.

The swim team has been working hard to get back in shape after the long quarantine. They have practice everyday after school and Varsity has morning practices two days a week. In the few weeks they have been practicing, the coaches have seen major improvement.

The girls have chosen to do an outdoor workout two days after practice even though it was not required. This workout is led by a senior on the team and is on the girls’ own time. They run the track, do abs, and arm and leg workouts. “The whole reason we started these dry land sessions was to make up for valuable practice time we lost due to Covid,” says senior Julie Wang,”Even though they’re optional, most of the team shows up and completes the workout even if they don’t want to. This speaks volume to their effort and responsibility as an athlete since they are taking the initiative to uphold their training during these difficult times. It’s also a great time for all of us to bond a little closer since our faces aren’t always in the water.”

The team has been trying their hardest, and are giving it their all. They hope to have a great season even if challenges might arise.