As it’s been for so many people, the last year has been a challenge for the Sedona Race Pace Swim Club. While the Race Pace team has been able to stay open with some modifications, their schedule has been limited by the fact that, due to COVID-19 restrictions, there have been few opportunities for normal meets. They have, however, taken advantage of the chances they’ve had.
Six swimmers — Amira McCullough, Juni Spielman, Pola Strzalka, Britton Broekemeier, Sean Hunt and Kaylee McKlean — have already qualified for the Junior Olympics, which will be held in April. While this marks the second time qualifying for Strzalka, it’s everyone else’s first time.
The only actual meet the Race Pace team has competed in over the last year was the Lost Dutchman in Chandler, which took place over Valentine’s Day Weekend. Lauren Robinson, who coaches the young swimmers on the Race Pace team, was grateful that her young swimmers got to compete in an actual meet, rather than the time trials that the team holds every Saturday.
“It’s nice because it shows them the results of their hard work,” Robinson said. “For the little ones, it’s a little easier because their times are dropping all the time, because they’re growing. But it really is a good thing for them to realize how they can do in a real competition and how hard training helps them with their time. It’s going to be really special to be able to go to Junior Olympics, for sure.”
Similarly, six of the older swimmers on the team — Kegn Moorcroft, Renae Porteous, Lucy Spielman, Izzy Montgomery, Bryce Kirk and Sarina McCullough — have qualified for the Senior State Championships. Something new for the Race Pace team, which is normally smaller in numbers than most of its competition, is that the girls team will have a qualified relay.
Sean Emery, who coaches the older swimmers, is happy to see that. He also hopes to see the swimmers continue to improve, despite the obstacles they’ve faced.
“It’s been such a challenging time for everybody,” Emery said. “I want them to go close to their bests, at their bests or a little better than they’ve been in the past. Just to race as a team. Having relays added to the list is a great thing. We’re starting to develop and bolster the relays at all levels. That’s a really good sign.”
Robinson agreed.
“I want them to work hard and see the efforts of their hard work — I want them to get their best times,” she said. “Do I care how they place? No. They probably want to win ribbons and medals and that kind of thing. But moving up places from their seed and getting their best times are what it’s all about.”
“And having fun,” she quickly added. “Their world has been altered. A lot of these kids were going to eight-and-under championships last year and it was canceled at the last minute. That was the last time they ever prepared for a meet. This will be very exciting for them.”
