Senior Sarah Musselman experienced the last of her high school diving days this past season. With four years of accomplishments under her belt, Musselman finished her high school career with her best season, avoiding any injuries.
Musselman dove for Legacy when the school began in the 4A region, moved to 5A then moved back to 4A. Having qualified for state all four years, Musselman finished with a third place medal at this year’s state meet.
“It felt pretty good to qualify all four years,” Musselman said. “That was a goal I set freshman year, so it felt pretty good to finally achieve it.”
Musselman seemed satisfied with her season, for in the past she suffered injuries which set her back. This year, Musselman performed to her best ability and remains satisfied with the results.
“This season seemed way faster and easier than every other season without the injuries,” Musselman said.
Along with Musselman, other swimmers at Legacy made it to state. Senior Sam Spoonemore qualified in the 50 freestyle and was the first male swimmer from Legacy to make it to the state meet. Junior Madison Yelle qualified in both the 200 freestyle and the 500 freestyle.
“It was exciting because I’ve been training for it since freshman year,” Yelle said.
Yelle felt stressed in both days of the meet because it was her first time to go to a meet with the best swimmers in the state. Although she matched the time she swam on average this season, she wishes the end result would’ve been her dropping in time in either one of her races. Even though Yelle’s team did not attend state with her, she felt they ended up successful and accomplished what they needed to throughout the season. When it came down to it, Yelle feels the team will become even more successful in the future.
“Over a long period of time little changes could make a big difference, like eating and sleeping,” Yelle said.
Yelle placed tenth in the 200 freestyle and sixth in the 500 freestyle at the state meet in Austin. Spoonemore placed fifteenth in the 50 free at the same meet and currently holds the school record for the 50 freestyle. Spoonemore enjoyed bringing Legacy some recognition when it came to swimming.
“It felt good that all my hard work over the past four years had finally paid off,” Spoonemore said. “I was happy that I made coach [Tullbane] proud.”
The team this season had the girls placing first in the district meet and second in the regional meet. The boys’ team placed second in the district meet and sixth in the regional meet. Sophomore Brandon Bernal compared his successes last year to this year’s and noticed a dramatic change in both his swimming and school life.
“I dropped a lot of time from my freshman year,” Bernal said. “I’ve become more mature on my studies so I can swim more and not miss a meet.”
Musselman doesn’t place all her success on just her hard work, but also on the coaching and support from her family and friends. Musselman won both district and regionals and placed third at state.
“I’m not really one to dwell on what could’ve been,” Musselman said. “So overall it was pretty alright.”
