Class A, District 5 Swim Meet: Oasis Christian Sisters Undefeated This Season

 

By SOLANGE REYNER

THE LEDGER

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Oasis Christian swimmers, and sisters, Bekah and Hannah Howard have put together solid seasons heading into district competition.

Both are undefeated: Hannah in the 200 free and 500 free, Bekah in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke, and seeded in the top two in their events of the Class A, District 5 meet at Rowdy Gaines Pool today.

The key to their success: A daunting practice schedule that includes three days of nearly 10,000 yards of swimming and five days of dance classes.

Their schedule is hectic.

But its one they maintain because they like to stay active.

"I definitely like it because I think if I wasn't too busy I would be lazy and on Facebook or watching TV," Bekah Howard, a sophomore, said. "I'm with my friends, too, so that's nice."

The two haven't competed against each other much this season, but will face off in the 100 breaststroke if both advance to finals. Bekah is seeded first there with a 1:06.85 and Hannah second.

"We always push each other," Hannah Howard said.

"I know she likes to beat me because she's older and I understand that. But we always support each other and encourage each other."

Other notable swimmers competing in Wednesday's district meet and seeded first in their events are: Mulberry's Aaron Hart (200 free), All Saints' David Wong (200 IM, 100 fly) and Aaron Henricks (50 free, 100 free), Oasis Christian's Laurel Moore (200 free, 500 free), Lakeland Christian's Chloe Wineinger (100 fly) and Frostproof's Ean Ormsby (500 free).

Ormsby, a freshman, swam a personal best time in the 500 free at the County swim meet Friday 5:34.46. He normally swims the 100 fly, but will alternate to compete in the 200 IM.

He's been competing at the high school level since he was in the sixth grade.

"He'll do anything that he's asked to do," Frostproof coach Rachel Nicholson said.

Qualifying heats start at 9 a.m. and finals, which include the top 16 swimmers from the morning, are at 4 p.m.

The top eight individual swimmers from each event automatically advance to the regional meet.

Relay teams which finish first will automatically advance to regionals.