EHS Swim and Dive Set for Post Season

The sport of swimming takes a tremendous amount dedication and resolve on a daily basis. The Enumclaw High School boys swimming and diving team has epitomized that mentality by putting together a undefeated dual meet season, multiple personal best times and a total team commitment to excellence. 

"The team has been outstanding this year -- I am proud of their accomplishments," coach Ann Bettencourt said.

The Hornets started their post season journey yesterday at Lakes High School in the SPSL 3A sub-district meet.

Bennon VanHoof has led the way for the Hornets breaking his own school record in the 100-yard breastroke earlier this year in the home meet against Lakes. VanHoof has been pleased with his and the team's season so far to this point.

"I have pushed myself the whole season to get to state," VanHoof said. "As a team we have worked very hard all season and we are fired up."

The connection between VanHoof and Bettencourt extends back to when he was a swimmer for the Rainier Foothills Swim Club. VanHoof credits Bettencourt for getting him hooked on the sport of swimming.

"Ann was my swim instructor back when I was seven years old at the Enumclaw Pool, and once she took over at Enumclaw as coach she thought I should come out for the team," VanHoof said.

On his record breaking performances in the breaststroke, Bettencourt said, "I always thought Bennon would break the school’s breaststroke record; he was a great breaststroker as a little kid and has always worked hard to perfect his stroke."

She continued, "I look forward to seeing what he will accomplish the remainder of the season and the next couple of years."

The Hornets have also had strong leadership from team captain Travis Culp. Culp is part of the state bound 200-medley relay team and has set the tone for the team's success this season starting in the pool during the practice.

"We practice really strong during the week," Culp said. "How we practice is usually a indicator of how well you are going to swim so we work hard every day."

Bettencourt lauded her team captain's leadership this season as well. "Travis is a great captain," she said. "The team looks up to him and respects what he has to say. Travis has worked hard this year and it has paid off."

On the 200-medley relay team, Culp said, "We are less than a second from breaking the school record, so we are working really hard to drop time."

And he knows his team is ready for the challenge of post season.

"Everybody has been working really hard," he said. "We are working to get our times down for state. The team is also really supportive of each other and that is important for us."

Bettencourt is excited about her team's prospects this weekend and beyond, but "I also expect the competition to be tough as well," she said.

Enumclaw got underway in thje SPSL 3A sub-district meet with preliminaries yesterday and the finals will be on today starting at 2 p.m.