As winter approaches, Swim and Dive were supposed to start at Lincoln East High School. As of November 16th, winter sports were pushed back until December 7th, forcing East’s swim and dive season to be pushed back. Tryouts were supposed to take place on November 16th but due to the delay, they had to be postponed.
“The earliest we will be able to get kids in the water and on the boards will be December 7th,” East swim coach, Emma McEntarffer said.
Everything is ever-changing and their season is still being evaluated. “Well, so far our season has been cut short,” new East dive coach Robert Babcock said. “Some of the normal meets have been canceled.”
The swim and dive teams will be following COVID-19 protocols throughout the season and there will be a limited number of swimmers in the water at any given time. East High School’s pool is smaller than other LPS pools. They are equipped with eight lanes, while East only has six. When the divers are on the boards it knocks the swimmers down to four lanes.
“We have already been working as a coaching staff to ensure we have a well-oiled machine when it comes to moving kids through the water and around the pool deck,” McEntarffer said.
They will wear masks and be socially distanced as much as they can when out of the water and while on the pool deck.
Babcock’s goals for the season include increasing the diver’s strength and their awareness in the air as well as just overall improvement in the team. Coach McEntarffer’s goals are to create the best experience possible for her athletes and help them find their strengths and weaknesses.
As for now, the East Swim and Dive team will continue to wait and hope for an opportunity to swim as a team and compete.