Highland is home to athletic tradition.  State championships and all-state athletes can be found throughout the 58-year school history.  But the recent success of the Highland swim team has gone under the radar.

On the women’s side, the team has placed third at state the past two seasons, and the men’s side came in fifth last season.  But the team is hardly satisfied with past achievements.

Junior Zoe Phillips expects nothing but the best.  After taking first place last season in both the women’s 100 yard backstroke, and the Women’s 200 Yard I.M; Phillips is hoping for even more success.

“We’d really like to get second or first this year,” Phillips said.

Seniors Nick Pryor and Tyler Stephenson are among the leaders of the team, and juniors Patrick Nordstrom and Eva Gontrum join Phillips as top performers.

Nordstrom finished second last season in the Men’s 100 yard butterfly, but he has set even higher personal goals for this year.

“I’m hoping to break the state record in the 50 freestyle that hasn’t been broken in about 10 years,” Nordstrom said.

A tough task certainly, but with the instruction and preparation of coaches Mark Grey and Natalie Edge, it just may be possible.

“I think they’re doing a good job getting us ready,” Phillips said.  “You have to come to practice every day ready to swim your best.”

Described as a family atmosphere, the team has been brought together through commitment and sacrifice.  Early morning practices, team bonding, and other activities have helped create a success ceiling that is sky-high.

“I think everyone’s work ethic is incredible,” Phillips said.  “The positivity and the closeness that we have on the team is really amazing.”

With a meet at rival East on Jan. 14, a region meet on Jan. 31, and many more in between it just may be the time for Highland swimming to take center stage among Highland athletics.