Last night was senior night for the Ranger girls swim and dive team, and they had seven seniors to honor: Sydney Kushak, Sarah Chesner, Rachel Schenck, Emily Johnson, Olivia Hooper, Ellie Field, and Sharon Parmar. Each of the seniors were very pumped for the meet, and wanted to show well on their big night. Although unfortunately for the girls, Sharon was not able to attend due to complications with COVID-19. All of them competed well, and helped FHC to beat their opponent, the Northview Wildcats, with a score of 102-84.

“It felt so weird to finally be the ones celebrated by the team, I really am going to miss the team and my sport once the season is over,” Sydney said. “Overall the seniors competed really well; our 200 yard Freestyle Relay won, Emily won her 50 yard Freestyle, and Ellie had a great 100 yard Freestyle.” 

While facing off against the Wildcats, FHC was able to achieve some great scores and placings. For the swim team, the top three swimmers of last night’s meet were Emily, freshman Olivia Oorbeck, and junior Jessica Doyel. They all had a great night and placed very high in their events. 

Emily placed 1st in the 50 yard Freestyle, 3rd in the 200 yard Individual Medley, and was part of taking 1st in the 400 yard Freestyle Relay. Olivia placed 2nd in the 200 yard Freestyle, 1st in the 500 yard Freestyle, and was a member of the 1st place 200 yard and 400 yard Freestyle Relays. Jessica did exceptionally well against Northview, beating the state cut time in the 100 yard Breaststroke. She also took 2nd in the 200 yard Individual Medley, and was a member of the 2nd place 200 yard Medley Relay and the 1st place 400 yard Freestyle Relay. Jessica will be going to states when the time comes due to her solid performance last night. 

“It felt very relieving, in a way, to make states so that I don;t have to stress about it in later meets, however it did take a lot of work and motivation to get to this point,” said Jessica. “I think the team did very well overall and I am extremely proud of all the girls. Everyone really gave it their all which paid off in the end.” 

On the diving side of the team, sophomores Olivia Thornley, Payton Dailey, and Noelle Stewart all scored well. Olivia finished the meet with a score of  157.35, Payton with 153.05, and Noelle with a score of 147.55. Each of these girls had great dives and really helped the team to pull out the win.  

“This was a great team win for us. We had to overcome some emotions as this was our team’s first dual meet of the season and it was senior night,” head coach Dennis Neat said. “It took us a few races to settle into the meet, but once we were able to get some momentum, we got our strength towards the end of the meet. Everyone helped us to secure the victory.”  

This was a great meet to have on senior night, everyone competed very well and all of the girls were very supportive of one another. The Ranger girls swim and dive team has become quite a family over the years, and they feed off of each other’s energy in order to compete to their best ability. The seniors definitely helped to lead to the team last night, fighting for that win on their special night. 

“It’s always tough to watch the seniors walk down the pool deck on senior night, knowing as their coach, all of the hours and hard work that they have given to the team and our sport. So to honor them is a blessing and I’m always excited to hear what they are looking forward to in their futures,” coach Neat said. 

The next meet for the ladies is next Tuesday, October 6th at home at 6:00 PM. The Rangers will face off against FHNE in the Battle of the Hills.