HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Xavier's swimming community

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By Nic Ekland, Xavier junior

CEDAR RAPIDS - Even though they do not wear any blue and silver, all are part of Xavier girls' swimming.

That's the Saints' girls' team, a group swimming at different school ,but representing Xavier.

Sophomore Sam Valenta is the only Saint swimming for Cedar Rapids Washington.

'It's kind of weird not swimming or being on a team with the people you go to school with,' Valenta said. 'It's fun getting to know new kids and bonding with the team.'

Xavier has three girls swimming at Cedar Rapids Kennedy - senior captain Carly Kenney, senior Claire Wenisch and freshman Alicia Miltner.

'I have really enjoyed being a captain," Kennedy said. "As a team, we are looking to do well at state and get a winner in every event."

The amount of trips back and forth from Xavier to Washington or Kennedy shows how dedicated these girls are.

'I figured out that during swim season, I spent more time at Kennedy than I did at Xavier,' Wenisch said. 'We have grueling morning and afternoon practices every day.'

The three will be together Saturday as Washington and Kennedy swim at Mercer Aquatic Center in Iowa City for the regional honors and state berths.