After training since August, the Eagle and Lady Eagle swim teams took on the district meet Jan. 20 in Mansfield. From the district meet, the team had six swimmers qualify in individual events and six relays qualify for the regional meet.

Led by senior captains Whitney Dollins, Christian Rodarte and junior captain Hannah Smith, the qualifying swimmers were slated to swim at the regional meet on Feb. 4 and 5, but due to inclement weather they will compete Feb. 7 and 8. 

The swimmers competing at regionals include Smith, Rodarte, Dollins, Zoey Hall, Ciyen Gamboa, Julie Stone, Jacie Stone, Brinley Burkhart, Logan Fultz, Luis Ramos, Blaze Pippin, Dylan Williams, Brody McKeel, Eli Dollins and Dylan Surratt.

While the amount of qualifying swimmers is an accomplishment on its own, one DHS swimmer was given an extra honor. Dollins, who’s been swimming for 14 years, was chosen as Athlete of the Meet, an award given to a female and male swimmer based on who acquired the most points at the meet. 

“I was very honored to be recognized as the athlete of the meet,” Dollins said. “Normally, you would expect that award to go to someone you don’t know, but for it to go to me was a wonderful surprise.”

Dollins was able to earn the title thanks to her first place wins in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle, her spot on the first place 200 medley relay team and place on the 200 freestyle relay that won second.

Thanks to her dedication to the sport, Dollins has committed to swim at Birmingham Southern College in the fall. 

“I decided to swim in college because it’s always been my dream to be a collegiate swimmer,” Dollins said. “I’m very excited to see how fast I can be.”

Gallery • 2 Photos

Ashley Kyle

Senior Whitney Dollins celebrates with teammates after learning that she was awarded Athlete of the Meet.