By Grace Nordquist–Sat. Jan. 26 marked the last home meet of the season for the Morningside Swim Team, and the last home meet ever for seven of the team’s seniors.
The men and women’s team pulled out wins against opponent Simpson of Indianola, IA. Season-best times and school records were highlights of the competition.
This meet was special for the group of seniors who have made countless memories in the sport and the Morningside pool. Tears were shed and laughter shared as the group reminisced on their swimming career, surrounded by teammates that are like family.
The seven seniors come from all different high schools and backgrounds but ended up together on the Morningside swim team.
Meet the seven seniors who head coach Bryan Farris says, “Each brings something a little different to the whole picture.”
Jackson Allen of Fort Collins, CO graduated from Rocky Mountain High School. He is an Elementary Education Major and plans to teach third grade. Jackson’s events are distance freestyle and breaststroke. His favorite Morningside swimming memory is cheering for the teammates, who became family away from home, so loud he lost his voice. Head coach Bryan Farris says he would use the word enthusiastic to describe Jackson. “He’s constantly cheering on the team and has some of the best team spirit.”
Lucas Farrington of Rockwell City, IA graduated from South Central Calhoun High School. He is a Biology and Chemistry major. Farrington swims primarily backstroke with some IM and mid-distance free. His favorite Morningside swimming memory is getting the nationals cut in the 100 backstroke at liberals after trying four separate times. A word Farris uses to describe Farrington is cerebral. “He’s fantastic at having a full plan, and puts in the work.”
Carly Johnson of Kansas City, KS is a graduate of Piper High School. Johnson is majoring in Nursing. Johnson swims butterfly, IM, and sprint free. Her favorite memory is swimming the 400 Free Relay at Nationals Sophomore year and setting a school record. When asked to describe Carly in one word head coach Farris says she is “upbeat.”
Veronica, also known as Agnes or “Aggie” Mullen, is from Omaha, NE and is a graduate of Omaha Central High School. She is a nursing major. Mullen’s events include backstroke and freestyle. Her favorite memory was running up to her dad and aunt and hugging them after winning her heat and getting her best time in her Sophomore year at liberals in the 200 back. One word Farris uses to describe Mullen is universal, saying “She keeps a lot of plates spinning at the same time.”
Joshua “Josh” Sunberg is from Red Oak, IA, is a graduate from Red Oak High School, and a transfer from Iowa Central Community College. He is an Agricultural and Food Studies Major. He swims freestyle. Josh’s favorite swimming memory was previously at Iowa Central placing second on the 400 Free Relay at Nationals. One word Farris used to describe Sunberg is “determined.”
George, known as “Jack”, Weiss is from Council Bluffs, IA. He graduated from Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln High School. Weiss is a Studio Art major. He swims breaststroke and backstroke. His favorite memory is hugging a cactus during a training trip in Arizona. He says it was “worth every needle.” Farris describes Weiss as unorthodox. “He takes an unusual approach but can still be successful. He’s constantly looking at humorous things that entertain himself and others.”
Alisia Woodward, from Waterloo, IA, graduated from Waterloo West High School. Woodward is a Social and Behavioral Science Major. She swims distance freestyle and 400 IM. Her favorite memory was hiking up and down a mountain in Arizona on a training trip. “It’s more of a running joke now, but everyone now knows how much I love hiking after battling that one.” Farris describes Woodward as tough, and “tougher than she gives herself credit for.”
Swimming is one of the sports you can do for the rest of your life, but competing with a team is a whole other level. Farris says, “What they’re doing now they can never do again.”
*Individual Photos Courtesy of Rae Clinkenbeard*
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