6:45 am and the George Ranch swim team is in the water getting prepared for their trip to state. It’s the 3rd year in a row the Longhorns have had swimmers participate in the state meet. Before then…..none. However, the man responsible for the transformation in the pool isn’t here. And hasn’t for a while. Their coach for the past 3 years, Paden Fontenot, has been at home on paternity leave, but his impact on the team is always felt.
This year the Longhorns are sending 3 relay teams to state…the girls 200 meter medley, the girls 200 meter freestyle and the boys 200 meter freestyle. It’s the most swimmers George Ranch has ever had in Austin. And Annie Shoditsch is also competing in the 50 meter freestyle. It would be understatement to say the team as a whole is proud of their accomplishment
The team is a good mix of young and veteran swimmers that have all meshed together. And each athlete has found a different source of inspiration. From not wanting to let other members of their relay team down to breaking freshman school records, each swimmer has their reason to strive for greatness.
The Longhorns that are going to state know it’s going to be stiff competition. Texas has some of the best swimmers in the state, but they have their goals and are confident they will meet them.