In spite of its non-funded sports status, its high pay-to-pay fees, the loss of paid transportation and the stringent lettering requirements, a record number of athletes signed up for try-outs last week.

A total of 36 swimmers make up a very coachable Junior Varsity squad and a strong, determined Varsity team.  "SHS swimmers will definitely challenge their competition at the district and state levels during this season", coach Hedemark explained. 

Returning stand-outs Baldessari, Duvenick, Flanders , Luz, Sampson and Sellentin will be greatly supported in their team effort by Lasken , Miller , Berg , Curtis and Valdez . On the girls' side, senior Courteney Satko is expected to rally last year's state contenders Berg , Johnson and Young around her and encourage varsity newcomers   Barrett and  Stewart to solidify the varsity team.

This record turn-out might have a bit to do with past successes of Sisters High School swimmers and the life-long benefit this sport brings to the athlete, but it definitely has to do with the team's new training facility.

After a three year absence, SHS swimmers return to Black Butte Ranch to train. This time, however, it is not the 20 yards long outdoor pool, covered by a plastic/canvas enclosure, as it was during the SHS swim team's first ten years at Black Butte Ranch. It is, in fact, a 25 yards state of the art indoor facility, that offers the swim team up to four lanes, two hours each day Monday through Friday - at no cost to the team.

A facility use agreement, as well as a personal conduct agreement for each swimmer guide coaches and swimmers to a successful relationship with Black Butte Ranch management and homeowners. "All athletes realize the generosity of the Black Butte Ranch community and strive to be worthy guests of the Glaze Meadow Recreation Facility", coach Hedemark commented.