Coupeville High School freshman Finn Price enjoys life in the pool. (Photos courtesy Rachel Price-Rayner)
A standout swimmer has surfaced at Coupeville High School.
Such a development is rare and fairly unexpected since the institution doesn’t have a pool, or a team, but it has happened from time to time.
From Amanda Streubel to Lily Doyle and the Weinsteins – Rachel and Cole – several Wolves have prospered in the pool while training, travelling, and competing with other schools.
This time around, it’s CHS freshman Finn Price who is putting in the extra work to follow his aquatic dreams.
Since 2B Coupeville doesn’t have its own program, he and his parents worked with CHS Athletic Director Willie Smith to set up a co-op agreement with 4A Kamiak High School in Mukilteo which allows him access to the water.
While Price is responsible for getting himself to practice six days a week — making it a five-hour time commitment per session — he and three swimmers from South Whidbey High School are carpooling with various parents.
It’s a lot of extra effort, but an opportunity the young swimmer greatly appreciates.
“My parents worked with Mr. Smith, who worked with the WIAA and Kamiak to create a co-op agreement, which allowed me to swim,” Price said.
“I’m really glad it came together and I’m grateful for Mr. Smith helping me to be able to swim; it means a lot.”
And he’s not merely swimming but prospering in the pool.
Price qualified for districts in four freestyle events — the 50, 100, 200, and 500 — as well as the 100 breaststroke.
He and his South Whidbey-based teammates, forming a “Whidbey relay” team, would have also qualified in the 200 and 400 freestyle relay events, but weren’t eligible due to co-op rules.
Since swimmers are limited to two events at districts, Price has chosen the 100 and 200, and will compete Feb. 9-11 at the Snohomish Aquatic Center.
The event draws five 4A schools, 16 3A schools, and competitors from co-ops, all vying to punch their ticket to the state championships.
While qualifying in multiple events is a big deal, it’s merely one step to success for Price.
“I would like to make it to state each year, and get a lot faster in all events,” he said.
“It would be great to make the Junior Olympics,” Price added. “Beyond high school, I would love to swim competitively at college, and, if not, definitely intramural.”
Price launches into action.
The Wolf freshman first hit the water as a competitive swimmer in Louisiana at seven years old, while his dad was stationed there with the US Marines.
The sport soon became a favorite.
“I feel relaxed when I swim because it’s just you and the sound of the water,” Price said. “You can block everything out and focus.
“Swimming gives you the best of both worlds because it is a team sport and an individual sport.”
That carries over to his co-op experience with his new teammates.
“Even though I swim for Coupeville and am not part of the Kamiak team, they treat me as though I am one of them and cheer, “Go Wolves” when I swim,” Price said.
“It’s a great environment to swim in.”
Having some companions from The Rock join him on the daily trip is also a huge positive.
“My friends and fellow athletes from South Whidbey have been extremely supportive,” Price said. “And we have acted almost like an island team for the duration of the season.
“Without them, the season would not have been as enjoyable.”
When he’s not swimming, Price enjoys reading and watching movies, while in the classroom he favors English.
“It’s the class I have the most fun in, and the class that makes the most sense to me,” he said.
But it’s life in the pool which captivates him, and Price looks forward to both competitions and the often-rigorous training schedule.
He continues to build on his strengths, while always working hard to overcome hardships and tweak his skills.
“My speed on the open stretches of water (is a strength),” Price said. “(Also), the fact that I’m an early riser, which helps me get to practices on time.
“My starts need some work,” he added. “It has been hard to practice dive starts on the Island, because where I train, outside of Kamiak, I don’t have access to blocks.”
Through it all, his parents and coaches have helped to form an invaluable support crew.
“I would like to thank my parents for driving me to these practices and meets,” Price said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.
“Also, (Kamiak) Coach (Chris) Erickson has been extremely supportive and kind. He is one of the best coaches I have had, and I don’t know what I would do without him.
“Finally, my coach in the off season, Coach Rob, has helped train me and prepare me for this, and will continue to do so after the season is over at Kamiak.”
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