The Bearden swim team will compete in the state meet on Friday and Saturday at Allan Jones Aquatic Center on UT’s campus.
After last season, Bearden graduated one of its top swimmers in Mary Sims Cross, who is now a freshman swimmer at Utah Tech University. Losing such a high-achieving swimmer and strong voice for the team has been a tough blow for Bearden swim, but this year’s athletes have responded with a great season.
“One of the biggest role models on the team last year was Mary Sims Cross,” junior Claire Henry said. “She was an amazing teammate and was always always encouraging everyone to do their best.”
Team captains Isaac Bubar and Sam Toth have stepped up and become big role models to fill the place of their predecessors.
“[The captains] make the team a welcoming environment,” senior Alina Hafner said.
Added Bearden Coach Matt Mikulic: “Isaac Bubar is the definition of Bearden High School Swim. He brings a good attitude to practice.”
The Bulldogs have also gotten a significant boost from some underclassmen: freshmen Miles Roth and Graham Ella and sophomore Cama-Jane Richards are just a few of the standouts who have qualified for state.
“I think that the current freshmen are going to play a big role in Bearden swimming’s future,” Hafner said.
Added Coach Mikulic: “Cama-Jane Richards is the ultimate competitor. I expect great things from her as the years go by.”
Coach Mikulic said the future is bright for Bearden swim.
“I see a program that can become consistent in consistency,” Coach Mikulic said.