For the Lincoln High School swim teams, this season has not been defined solely by wins and losses, but by competitiveness and growth as swimmers. While the teams have faced some tough opponents, they have not lost every meet, and several races have come down to just a few points.
On January 9 LHS competed against Moses Brown and earned a strong win from both the boys’ and the girls’ teams, showing the team’s potential early in the season. Later in the season, Lincoln experienced a narrow loss to South Kingstown and Narragansett co-op on January 23, falling just short with a score of 46-47, showing the competitiveness of the meet. The team also faced Prout, where the boys’ team lost 37-56.
Despite the tough season, the team has continued to improve and benefit from strong coaching.
“The team has grown with the addition of Mr. Brown who has joined us to provide additional workouts based on his experience as a Division I swimmer,” junior Karah Kennedy said. “He is a very strong swimmer and brings extensive knowledge in effective training and recovery methods.”
Junior George Ackerman emphasized the team’s development so far this season.
“I believe that the team has grown in multiple ways this season,” said Ackerman. “The coaching has been exemplary, and I feel that many people on the team, including myself, are continuing to get better and better throughout the course of the season thus far.”
In addition to athletic improvement, their perspective on the sport has changed being part of the team. Senior Holden Brown shared how being part of the high school swim team has reshaped the way he views his swimming.
“Swimming has always been an individual sport in my eyes for the longest time,” said Brown. “However, when I got to high school and joined the team that perspective switched. This team has really shown me that swimming is a team sport and that has made me enjoy swimming even more.”
As the season continues, the team is also setting sights on post dual season competition, which consists of divisionals and states. Sophomore Michael Rao highlighted several relay teams that are aiming for strong performances at divisional and state meets.
“The boys relay, consisting of Wyatt Kloss, Ryan Lemery, Holden Brown, and myself, is hoping to medal again at states in the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relay,” said Rao. “The girls relay, made up of Caleigh Parent, Samantha Iacobucci, Kaila Dacruz, and Elana Lemery, is hoping to win their 200 medley at divisions and place at states again, along with medaling in their freestyle relay.”
The season has not been without its challenges. Ackerman noted that weather-related delays have pushed back meet dates, creating scheduling issues. Additionally, balancing swim commitments and major exams and projects has been difficult for many athletes. The team has also faced very strong competition early in the season.
“Some challenges that the team has faced include the weather pushing back swim meet dates, balancing out swim with midterm exams,” Ackerman said. “Additionally, the other schools that we have competed against thus far were very difficult to compete with.”
Despite the challenges, the LHS swim team remains focused on growth and teamwork as the season progresses, aiming to finish strong and build an even stronger team for the future.
