What do you like most about swimming?
I enjoy swimming because I love the challenge. It’ s a sport that requires technique and practice and uses every muscle. My teammates make me a better swimmer. We support each other and I wouldn’ t be where I am today without my teammates and coaches.
What was on your mind during your victories at the state meet?
When I was swimming the 200 IM, which requires a 50( meters) of every stroke, I was focused on my technique and having good turns. I also could see my teammates on the deck cheering for me. They encourage me to push myself all of the time. When I was swimming the 500 my goal was to get a personal record and to score as many points for my team as possible. I feel so blessed to have amazing teammates who are also my friends.
Your two events are particularly difficult. What drew you to them?
I love the 200 IM because it is challenging. It requires swimming a 50 of all four strokes in a specific order( butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle). One must be focused on technique to make sure that all turns and strokes are done legally so that you don’ t get disqualified. The 200 IM is an exciting race to watch since every swimmer has a best stroke; often there are lead changes throughout the race.
The 500 is an event that also requires technique and focus. It is very important to execute turns correctly, since there are 19 of them in the 500. I’ m a TA track and cross country runner, and swimming the 500 is very similar to running the mile. There is nothing better than having your teammates support you by cheering throughout that long race. It is important to stay on pace in the 500 and sometimes if the score board is located in just the right spot, then I can see my time right before executing my turn and can adjust my pace accordingly.
TA Swimming celebrated its 35th anniversary in January with a fundraising swim. What was it like being part of the celebration and swimming with current students and alumni?
To commemorate this milestone, the team decided to raise money to fund cancer research and patient programs in a Swim Across America fundraising effort and meet. Our team, along with alumni members and coaches raised more than $ 16, 000 during the effort, with our top fundraiser, Jacqui Scully, bringing in $ 4,000 on her own. It was fun working together as a team to raise the money with nearly all members contributing to this worthy cause. This TA team means a lot to me and without my teammates and coaches I would not be where I am today.
ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS
Senior Wyatt Benoit became just the fourth player in Thornton Academy history to score 1,000 points on the basketball court when he reached that milestone in February. He joins Payton Jones ' 21, Suzanne( Picard) Rondeau ' 97 and Bob Warner ' 72 in that exclusive club. In addition to being named the Southwestern Maine Athletics Association Player of the Year, Wyatt was one of three finalists for the Mr. Maine Basketball Award, which honors the best player in the state.
Senior Joseph Lathwood became the first wrestler in Thornton Academy history to win a state title, taking the 165-pound weight class at the state meet. Joseph, who wrestled on the combined Thornton-Biddeford team, was named the Outstanding Wrestler in the State Meet, capping off an undefeated career at Thornton.
Henry Mahoney received the Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive Lineman Award, presented annually to the state’ s top high school football senior lineman. Recipients are chosen based on their hard work on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. The award comes with a $ 5,000 scholarship from National Distributors.
“ Henry ranks right up with some of the best linemen we have had here at TA,” says coach Kevin Kezal.“ He turned himself into a great student-athlete through hard work, perseverance, and belief in himself.”
Henry, a member of the National Honor Society, ranks in the top 5 % of his class, while taking eight Advanced Placement and 10 Honors courses. He has volunteered with youth football, Little League, middle school track and field, and Partners for World Health.
Henry, who plans to study Education at Gettysburg College, is the fifth Gaziano recipient from TA, following Luke Libby’ 12, Bobby Begin’ 13, Nicholas Bartholomew’ 17, and Thomas Palmer’ 19.
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