The RCHS Swim team banquet was held last Sunday at the Jamestown Christian Church. The banquet was opened with a power point presentation highlighting events of the season, and honoring our seniors. Coach Ginny Lengel spoke on how the swim team is like a family, and how swimmers, and parents have bonded by car pooling to practice in Somerset.

All swimmers received a Gold Star Award for Personal Best swims. 

High Point Award Alex Miller and Rachel Haynes.   Coaches’ Award Zach Grider and Deah Reese.  Most Improved Swimmer Award Dakota Meece and Jordan Loy.   

Swimmers recognized for attending every meet:  Dustin Ballenger, Coy Comer, Zach Grider, Lauren Haynes, Rachel Haynes, Lindsey Haynes, Becca Haynes, Meghan Kelly, Ciara Kimes, Jordan Loy, Kenzie McGowan, Molly McQueary, Dakota Meece, Deah Reese, Alex Miller, Cheyenne Popplewell, Montana Popplewell and Keli Stephens. Senior Awards went to Sarah Foley, Zach Grider and Alex Miller.

Sarah Foley began swimming on the Russell County High School Team in the 6th grade during the 2003-04 swim season. Sarah is also a member of the Russell Springs Rays, and swam for the CKTS  USA Team out of Lebanon. In 2008 Regional competition Sarah placed 5th in the 50 yard freestyle and 11th in the 200 free. This year she placed 7th as a member of the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay team.  Sarah is a gifted swimmer who was the highest scoring female on the team for ’07 and ’08. The younger swimmers have big shoes to fill next season.

Captain Zach Grider began swimming when he was 7 years old for the Lakewood Marlins. In 6th grade he joined the Russell County High School Team for the 2002-03 swim season. That year he was the only 6th grade male swimmer on the high school team. Zach was on the 200 Freestyle Relay Team that qualified as an alternate for the State Championships in 2006. He also competed in the ‘09 State Meet as a member of the 400 Freestyle Relay team. Zach served as the Team Captain for the last two years.  He’s been a wonderful motivator and role model for the other members. He is leaving a hole on the squad which will be hard to fill.

Alex Miller started swimming in 2002 for the Russell Springs Rays in 2003–04.  While in 7th grade, he joined the Russell County High School Team. Alex is the first individual swimmer to qualify and compete in the State Meet. In the 2008, Alex placed 10th in the 100 freestyle at State and this season at State, he placed 12th in the 50 freestyle.  Alex was on the 200 Freestyle Relay team that qualified as an alternate for State Championships in 2006.  He swam the anchor leg at the State meet this year on the 400 Freestyle Relay team. In 2008, he was chosen the Outstanding Male Competitor for Region 3.  He made the All-Region 3 team for both 2008 and 2009. Alex and his great swimming talent will be sorely missed by the team.