BY DAVID FOLSE II

Sports Editor

LULING-Called short because of rain and lighting, the Willowdale Swim Club was still able to come out with a victory in their meet Wednesday night against the Jewish Community Swim Club, 249-243.

Willowdale Head Coach Carol Bohnsack said her squad has done well so far this season.

“This year’s team has more swimmers which helped us with depth in many events which we did not have last year,” Bohnsack said. “Unfortunately, we lost our first two meets but the second meet wee lost by a point. We had our first home meet on June 15 which was a big success.”

As with any summer team, Bohnsack credited her parents with helping put the meets together.

“We had a lot of parent support and ran a very organized meet,” Bohnsack said. “I think that we have the best parents on our swim team that are always willing to help out. Many of the visiting teams compliment us on how well the meets run.

“We were able to defeat the Jewish Community Swim Club, but we had to stop the meet early due to lighting after the backstroke. It is very unforuntate that two of our meets have been suspended due to lighting because the kids look forward to swimming at the meets.”

Despite the 1-2 record, Bohnsack likes the direction her team is headed.

“I like how what we are doing right now,” Bohnsack said. “We still need to improve in Breastroke and Butterfly, which are the two hardest strokes to learn. At the midpoint of the season, I am pleased where our team is headed and hope that our kids continue to improve their stroke techniques and times.”

As with any team, top swimmers emerge and Bohnsack was quick to recognize the biggest talents on her squad.

“David Vial, who is six has been working really hard and has been winning many events,” Bohnsack said. “Blaise Wise, who is seven has been a great asset to our team and has won every event that he has swum at our duel meets. Betsy Chester, who is 11, works extremely hard and is very dedicated at practice. She has improved her confidence in swimming thus far in the season and helps motivate the younger swimmers.

“Shannon Briner and Kelsey McGill have both been great leaders for the younger kids to follow because of their work ethic.”

Bohnsack also gives credit to her very talented coaching staff.

“Drew Wood, who is one of my assistants and a swimmer himself, has the young kids looking up to him as a role model. My second assistant coach, Alyssa Matherne, promotes team spirit and is dependable and willing to do anything I ask of her. She connects well with the 8 and unders.”

Overall, Bohnsack is excited about the future of Willowdale swimming.

“I am really looking forward to our last two meets,” Bohnsack said. “We complete the summer season with the Greater New Orleans Country Club Swim League Divisional and the City Championships in July.”