Every week this summer, The Woodford Club Tritons stepped up, took their marks, and swam the best they could. The Tritons are made up of several great swimmers of all different ages and skill levels, but when they dive into the water, they’re all one team.
The team had an impressive season this year, winning their first meet in seven years! While the scores and numbers are important, Tritons swim coach Brad Blanchard said, it’s about forming a great community.
“It’s awesome. That’s the whole point,” Blanchard said. “Of course, winning and the scores are cool but just dropping some time and having fun is more important to me. As long as they’re happy it’s a good time.”
Blanchard said they always start off the season making sure every swimmer is comfortable learning to swim all four strokes. Now, seeing some of their swimmers compete in several races in a day is gratifying.
One of the club’s experienced swimmers, Hadley Hird has been swimming for the Tritons for six years. Over those six years she’s improved her skills. Now she swims in each event in her age group.
“They have worked us to our strengths, and pushed us in where we are not the best at,” Hird said.
Hird swims the butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle and the relays. She said it can be a little bit stressful going to compete, but it’s all about making memories with those around her.
“It’s been very fun, a little bit stressful but also memorable. We don’t have a lot of kids older than me so it’s been a lot with the younger kids, and it’s really fun.” Hird said.
Some of the younger kids on the team include Charlotte and Eloise Wiley. The pair of swimmers are keeping their family tradition alive at The Woodford Club. Their mother, Stefanie Wiley, swam at The Woodford Club herself growing up. She started when she was five years old, and fell in love with the sport.
“It’s all full circle,” Wiley said. “It’s kind of emotional in some ways. I started swimming at five years old, I quit at 16 years old. I’ve seen my own kids love the sport and it’s fun to see it full circle. I love swimming, and now they love swimming.”
It’s her girls’ third year on the team, and they swam in seven races at the conference championship. Wiley said it’s been incredible to see how much the team has improved in just one year. For many families, sitting in the crowd and watching the Tritons compete has been a blast all season.
Swim coach Luke Logan said this team is one of the most improved he’s seen. The Tritons have grown as a team this year, but Logan said it’s really great to get to know each swimmer and see them shine.
“Some of these kids have 8, 9 practices a week, so we have a lot of opportunities to be around them and coach them. They are just a lot of fun,” Logan said. “I love this team with all my heart. I’ve coached a couple other teams, but this one is really special.”
He said they’ve been competing well all season. Without the parents, Logan said this all wouldn’t be possible.
“I just want to thank all the parents. I’ve never worked with such great parents in my life. I just want to thank you for always helping out with timing, officiating, whatever it is. Everyone who has helped out this season has done a tremendous job. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
The Woodford Club Tritons have won in more ways than one! Whether it’s competing on meet days, swimming with your friends at practice, or forming lifelong connections The Woodford Club was happy to be a part of it.
The swim team banquet will be held on Friday, July 12th. We look forward to seeing everyone there!