The Leesville Road Swim and Dive team had a very successful season, making it to the NCHSAA State Championship.
Before either the boys or girls team could take on the state meet, members of the team dedicated time and effort. The team practiced at 5:20 a.m. everyday before school, lasting an hour or longer. The team was led by Coach Jack Rogers and Coach Guy Civitello.
Swimmers from both the male and female team qualified for the Regional Competition after an impressive regular season.The Women’s team won 3 out of 4 swim meets. The male team averaged an admirable second or third place at each meet.
One of the female swimmers that qualified for both the Regional and State Meet was Grace Countie, sophomore. Countie competed in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke, coming in first place in both events. In the 50-yard free, Countie set a time of 23.36 seconds. She also set a new state record, in the 100-yard backstroke, coming in at 57.30 seconds.
“I would like to make it to the Olympics one day,” said Countie, a bold statement coming from a sophomore in high school.
Countie’s brother, Will Countie, is also a highly skilled swimmer. In November 2015, Will Countie committed to the University of South Carolina.
Next year’s season looks promising, considering the number of returning swimmers from this successful season.
