Beginning the season strong is one thing every sports team strives for. That’s exactly how Freedom’s swim team is starting out the 2010-2011 season. The swim team had their first scrimmage Nov. 30 against Cornell. The scrimmage “went absolutely great,” said Coach Bill Layton. “I was very pleased with the performance and sportsmanship.” “It went really, really well. A lot of the first-time swimmers were nervous, but as the season proceeds, the new swimmers will grow [to be] better than ever,” Sophomore Avery Creegan said. While Coach Layton was impressed with the large parent turnout, he hopes to see more of the student body at future meets. “It was a lot of fun; they were a competitive team. For a first meet, it was a good start,” Senior Cole Leonberg said. The scrimmage against Beaver Falls on Dec. 9 was a very close competition, but the team pulled through. Coach Layton was ill with the flu, and the team’s seniors coached them to the win. The team’s first official meet is Dec. 16 against Seneca Valley, at the home pool. The swim team has been working hard preparing for this season. A typical practice consists of 122 laps, which is the equivalent of swimming two miles. “Practices have been absolutely awesome,” Coach Layton said, who is pleased with the team’s effort so far. “I was ecstatically proud of them [at the scrimmage],” Coach Layton said. It’s not too late to join the swim team, and any interested students should contact the coach or a swim team member to swim. “We are in the process of building a championship team,” Coach Layton said. Even if you’re not interested in swimming, come out and support the next Freedom success story.