It’s already mid-season for the Two Harbors Agates swim team, and I have yet to report on how they are making waves and breaking records, so let’s dive right in!
Though the season began back in August, the team didn’t let a little thing like summer break keep them apart.
“We were pretty busy all summer. We practiced as much as we could,” said Head Coach Heather Mayfield. “We also did a lot of volunteering this summer. It was really fun to get together and do some good around the community.”
Some of that do-gooding occurred during the Golf Scramble at Heritage Days, where golfers were challenged to chip a duck (a rubber one!) into a kiddy pool. It was a hot day and being that their station was at one of the last holes, the golfers were appreciative of a cool little break. The girls also volunteered when Thomas the Train was in town, put on a pancake breakfast, and jumped in to help in many other ways.
“They kept asking me for more opportunities,” said Mayfield. “I said, ‘Sure, I’ll find some!’ They just kept having a blast. This team is so close that any time they can be together more, they were just asking for more. It was wonderful. It shows the character of this group of ladies.”
Speaking of more, there are more swimmers on the team this year than last. Previously, the team had 14 girls, but health issues brought the number down. Sometimes the team would show up to a meet with 9 or 10 athletes. This season, there are 19 on the roster, grades 7-12.
The team has expanded its reach once again, forming a co-op with Duluth Marshall just days before the season began. Two Harbors co-ops with Duluth Marshall for football, and the transition made sense for both schools. There are also two more swimmers who joined the team from Grand Marais, adding to the two who competed last year with the Agates.
“I’m so comfortable saying absolutely,” said Mayfield of the co-op. “I’ll do everything I can because I want to give those girls that opportunity to be part of a high school sport. I feel like you learn so many invaluable life lessons, and our girls are just so welcoming. It’s never a hesitation.”
She added, “They’re doing amazing. It’s awesome watching the bond between all three schools; it’s like they’ve been friends forever. It’s really cool to watch. They are just excelling.”
That welcoming warmth is extended outside of their team as well. For example, if you were a witness at their meet against Northeast Range Ely, you would have seen the girls on the side of the pool cheering for the opposite team!
“I think it’s something about swimming. Everybody knows how hard each team works,” said Mayfield. “I was watching my girls cheering for the other team, encouraging them to go and swim faster. I think it’s an amazing bond in the sport that is so special.”
The teams took a group picture after the meet. I’d agree; there’s a special bond with swim teams!
Internally, the team is benefiting from their larger numbers.
“It’s fun when you have a bigger team because everything becomes a little more competitive in our own team,” said their coach. “I watch them push each other. It’s such a friendly competition and a friendly environment, and they are pushing each other to be better for each other.”
Though each season’s team is unique, Mayfield is especially impressed with the amount of motivation she is seeing in the swimmers. She recalled how last year she felt she was really pushing them; this season, she says, “They’re working harder than I even ask them to. They’re swimming fast, they’re doing amazing, they’re working hard, far beyond my expectations. It’s been a fabulous first seven weeks.”
One of the swimmers exceeding expectations is junior Bella Imholte, who broke several records last season and is already breaking more. At their very first meet of the year, she broke two pool records in Chisholm. One of those records was set 25 years ago.
The official at the pool had coached the Grand Rapids swimmer who had set the record previously. Mayfield told him at the beginning of the matchup that Imholte was looking to break the backstroke record. His response was, “This early in the season? Are you sure?” Mayfield was sure, and so was Imholte.
She has also broken two Two Harbors pool records already this season. On top of her talent, Imholte has proven to be a great mentor on the team as one of their captains. She spent the summer swimming with the Lake Superior Swim Club along with the team’s new teammates from Duluth Marshall.
Other leaders on the team include the two seniors, Lucy Nelson and Ava Oswald-Swenson.
“Those seniors, they’re looking out for those seventh graders and giving them advice. They’re right there with them,” said Mayfield. “They’re wonderful. They have been fantastic mentors to our younger girls. Great leaders on the team. It’s been really, really great.”
There are only five meets left for the season, and I’m sure the Agates will continue to pool their strengths and keep swimming in success!
