As the swim team turns into its final leg, the Discoverers are still making great improvements. New swimmers now aware of their capabilities in the water will try to sneak into state by making an automatic or secondary qualifying time before the season reaches its completion. Returners know where they stand, and will lean on their experience to push them to the times they want to see. Though times continue to improve, this year's swimmers have made notable achievements as they push not only “to the wall,” but to the season’s conclusion.  

On the first day of second semester, the Discoverers hosted Lincoln High. Despite losing the dual, the Discoverers boasted several great swims. Coach Alyssa Dillion decided that the Lincoln and South Sioux duals were good meets to have the team attempt some new events. Jaden Miller won the 200 individual medley, Conor Zobel-Stevens won the 100 fly, Gavin Alexander and Jonathan Reiff took first and second respectively in the 100 back, and this author won the 100 free. Aside from success in new events, the Discoverers also won some of their competitive mainstays. CHS swept the 400 free relays, Alexander and Zobel-Stevens took first and second in the boys 50 free, Miller won the 100 free, Reiff won the 500 free, and Alex Freshour and Mavzuna Rozikov took first and second in the girls 100 back. 

The following Saturday the “Fishscoverers” made the long voyage to South Sioux City. Similar to the Lincoln dual, CHS swimmers also tried new events. CHS swept both the 200 medley relay and the 400 free relay. Freshour took first in the 200 free followed shortly by Jaylyn Spencer, Alexander won the 200 free, Mallory Brittenham and Miller won the girls and boys 200 IM respectively, Rozikov won the 50 free, Scotus sophomore Mary Faltys and Reiff won the girls and boys 100 fly respectively, Zobel-Stevens won the 100 free, Gracie Walters took second behind Anchor News’ fastest swimmer in the girls 500 while Reiff won the boys 500. Freshour, Faltys and Spencer took first, second and third in the girls 100 back. Miller took first in the boys 100 back. Rozikov and Kamryn Jaeger took first and second in the girls 100 breaststroke. Alex Settje took first in the boys 100 breast. 

On Tuesday January 11, CHS hosted Norfolk for a maroon versus maroon matchup. With the tougher competition the swimmers switched back to their regular events. The Norfolk matchup had some great results despite not winning. Miller earned the team's first state secondary qualifying time in the 100 fly. Unfortunately the team has not qualified any relays but has hopes of doing that soon. 

The relays are often hard to fill, especially after losing talented and capable swimmers from the last season. However, with the loss of old swimmers comes the gain of new swimmers. The newer swimmers are willing to jump in where they are needed. They continue to get new personal records, with 52 new PRs after the Lincoln and South Sioux meets. Since the team is smaller this year, it has become more of a family. They cheer for each other and love to see the successes of other teammates. They are also able to build each other up and give them the encouragement and confidence they need. 

Coming up, the Discoverers will be hosting Beatrice, Kearney and Pius X. They will also be traveling to Hastings and Grand Island. Follow CHS Anchor News on Twitter, Instagram, and Fusfoo for more swim updates and all things Discoverer.