“We went through basically the same experience last year with this team, so these ladies already know how to handle it,” Aimone said. “However, we are out of our own pool for the entire season this year, so we are going to focus on goals and not worry about the fact that we have to travel. We will look at how are we going to get better each practice rather then where practice is.”
This item is available in full to subscribers.
To continue reading, you will need to either log in to your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account and connect your subscription to it by clicking here.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active, online-only subscription then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
The Kemmerer High School girls’ swim team opens its season on Friday, August 24, at Lander Valley High School. The team competes there on Friday and Saturday.
The Kemmerer indoor pool is still being renovated, so the Lady Rangers are having to travel to other pools to practice.
In an email to the Gazette, head coach Amanda Aimone outlined how the Lady Rangers are preparing for the new season, even with the lack of practice facilities.
“We went through basically the same experience last year with this team, so these ladies already know how to handle it,” Aimone said. “However, we are out of our own pool for the entire season this year, so we are going to focus on goals and not worry about the fact that we have to travel. We will look at how are we going to get better each practice rather then where practice is.”
Aimone said the team is focusing on three goals this season.
“We want to get stronger,” Aimone said. “We are not going to get the water time like all the other teams so we are focusing on getting stronger in every aspect of the sport.”
Aimone said the team’s second goal is to focus on increasing their speed.
“Last but not least, we need to focus on better starts and turns,” Aimone said. “Our opponents may have more water time, but we will have the better starts and turns.”
Aimone said the team is always preparing for state.
“We have been talking about how qualifying for state starts at practice and not at meets,” Aimone said. “I think if they keep that in mind they will be just fine.”
The Lady Rangers graduated two senior swimmers from last season, but Aimone said the team’s seniors this season are ready to go.
“I have two awesome seniors in Brooklynn Hagler and Alexis Krall,” Aimone said. “I expect them to be leaders and help to carry a positive attitude considering our situation. Again, they have been in this situation before and know what can come of it if we are positive. So far they are doing a great job of keeping us going.”
Aimone reflected on how she brings her past experiences as a student athlete to coaching.
“As a student athlete I saw a few interesting situations that brought some struggle, but I think it was the way that my coaches and parents handled the situations that really helps me with our current situation,” Aimone said. “I saw that they were calm and collected even when they really might not have been inside. I think for these kids it will be important for me to be organized and structured.”
“I also will need to make sure that I help focus them on a positive attitude and keep them goal oriented,” Aimone continued. “The nice thing for me is that I have a great group of kids who will have little trouble staying focused and positive.”
