Preps

Central's swim team is improving its odds for success

The McGeehan sisters are doing their part to help Central's swim team live up to its potential.

By IZZY GOULD, Times Staff Writer
Published October 4, 2007

BROOKSVILLE - Given Central's recent success, there are few pools the Bears fear.

The girls are 7-0 this season and enter Saturday's Hernando County Athletic Conference meet favorites to defend their title.

Central coach Julie Withington will tell you it's a concerted effort, that every varsity swimmer has something to offer, from a firm stroke to a loud voice. That's how they have succeeded, and that's how they hope to continue to win.

"We're having a great year," Withington said. "They're winning meets and they're getting excited about that. More importantly, they're looking forward to district and trying to make it to regionals."

There's a group of five girls who seem to power through their events, then a pair of sisters who use seemingly every waking minute to improve on everything from their scissors kick to academics. The McGeehan sisters are a vital part of the Bears' success, especially if Central hopes to advance to regionals.

Senior Elizabeth McGeehan, and younger sister Mary-Alice, a sophomore, like to swim the same events - 50 free, 100 fly, 100 back, 100 free - and went head-to-head last season in the 100 fly at regionals, though neither advanced in the event.

Elizabeth qualified for state as an individual in the backstroke. And between them they have only one loss.

"I think they push each other more than they compete against each other," Withington said. "They're there for each other, they give each other that competition they need to get into state."

To keep sharp and fit, they don't simply swim laps. After the school day, Elizabeth heads home for an hour before cross country practice. Mary-Alice goes straight to cheerleading.

Then the duo meets at the YMCA to join the Bears for swim practice from 7-9 p.m. Somehow, they fit in studying and homework, making them among the top students in their respective classes.

"Cross country gives me a lot of endurance so I don't die," Elizabeth said. "I think it's the best thing for me."

Both are focused on helping Central succeed, and they realize by doing that they are bound to attain their individual goals.

The Bears are in Class 2A, District 5 and the competition should be tough with schools such as Land O'Lakes, River Ridge, Ridgewood and Hudson to contend with.

A recent victory against typically strong Gulf gave the girls confidence they will enjoy postseason success.

"We have a shot at regionals," Mary-Alice said. "Hopefully, we'll win it at districts."

Izzy Gould can be reached at izzygould@gmail.com or (727) 580-5315.

Fast Facts

Hernando County Athletic Conference swim meet

When: Saturday, 3 p.m. at the YMCA

Teams: Central, Hernando, Springstead, Nature Coast

[Last modified October 3, 2007, 20:32:29]