South Whidbey High School’s senior swimmers are (l to r) Katie Zundel, Ashley Lynch, and Sarah Zundel. (Photos courtesy Kymy Johnson)
They endured.
Six swimmers from South Whidbey High School managed to get a season in during the Age of Coronavirus, going above and beyond what they normally have to do just to compete.
And that’s impressive, since even a normal season requires more than the normal amount of commitment.
Any Falcons who want to swim or dive have to get themselves to the mainland, where they train and travel with Kamiak High School in Mukilteo.
During meets, the South Whidbey competitors compile their own points, however, and don’t add to the total gathered by the Knights.
So, take that initial trip, toss in all the Covid-related restrictions, and give the Falcons an extra vote of approval.
“As far as the six (SWHS simmers) go, amazing dedication to ride the ferry every day,” said Kamiak coach Chris Erickson. “For Ashley (Lynch) and Katie (Zundel), four years!”
Katie’s twin sister, Sarah, joined the team as a sophomore, with the three capping their prep careers this season as seniors.
While the trio, who are Academic All-Americans, compete off-Island, they are still a big part of the local swim scene.
Lynch and the Zundel sisters are life guards at the Useless Bay Golf and Country Club, and teach swim lessons through the South Whidbey Parks and Recreation Department.
L to r are Lynch, Katie Zundel, Sarah Zundel, Kamiak Coach Chris Erickson, Parker Forsyth, Abigail Ireland, and Devon King.
Lynch finished #4 in the 500 free and #5 in the 200 free among Wesco swimmers.
South Whidbey sophomore Parker Forsythe was #5 in the 200 IM and #8 in the 100 fly, with Katie Zundel claiming #10 in the 100 back stroke.
When All-League honors were issued, South Whidbey hit the list three times, earning Honorable Mention status for Lynch in the 500 free and both its 200 Medley and 400 Free relay squads.
While three of the six Falcons graduate, Forsythe, Abigail Ireland, and Devon King are just sophomores.
The swimming co-op between South Whidbey and Kamiak was begun by Ashley Lynch’s older sister, Ally, and Kinsey Eager.
“The norms were set and this group has carried it on,” Erickson said. “When these three seniors graduate, I have no doubt that the three sophomores will continue on the tradition of dedication and commitment.
“For as short as it was, this mini season was fun, memorable, and mostly productive.”
One last bow for the seniors.
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