Xavier’s Maddie Gannon brings ‘high energy’ to Kennedy swim team

CEDAR RAPIDS - Not everyone would get up at 4:45 a.m. and go jump in a swimming pool.

Cedar Rapids Xavier junior Maddie Gannon is one of those rare types of people.

Gannon has been swimming competitively most of her life and now is achieving times better than ever before. She swims for Kennedy High School as a part of the Cedar Rapids co-op.

She continues to impress her coaches and teammates with her attitude, ability and drive.

'Maddie is the type of kid you want to keep around,” Kennedy Coach Ivan Sanchez said. 'She brings high energy, spontaneity to the team, she is a fast learner, a team player and overall an athlete that is easy to work with.”

Gannon has been having a lot of success this fall, placing in almost everything she competes in and breaking personal records in the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly. Last year, Gannon was nervous before competing, but with more experience, she has changed her mind-set.

'This year I decided I am not going to let the nerves get to me,” she said. 'It is going so much better, and I am very happy with our team chemistry this year.

'I enjoy all of the people there.”

Sanchez also believes the chemistry of the Cougar team is better than previous years.

'They are a big swim family, and I am proud to say our team is very close and good at supporting each other in and out of the pool,” Sanchez said.

The Cougars next competition is the Mississippi Valley Conference meet, Oct. 13 at Linn-Mar High School.