Pacific swim teams seek leading spot in NWC championships

The women’s and men’s swim team has come a long way this season and with the Northwest Conference Championships fast approaching they are far from stopping.
Head Coach Alec Webster has expectations for both teams. On the women’s side he hopes for a top-three finish and having qualifiers for nationals. On the men’s side he sees them having a top-five finish as more than doable and some national cuts, Michael Hargitt among those advancing.
Webster attributes the team’s success to several factors.
“I think we’ve been more competitive in conference this season,” said Webster. “We have a really good group of swimmers that put in the time and energy to work toward a common goal.”
Webster has also seen a change in the team since last season that has contributed to their success.
“The team is bigger on the women’s side and more cohesive,” said Webster. “We’ve taken last year and learned from it and taken it to another level.”
For freshman Amanda Clark going to conference will be the big finale of her season.
Coming off of three first place finishes January 28 against Lewis & Clark College, Clark, who has also earned the nickname Clark Kent from her coaches, is ready to continue her winning streak.
“I got the nickname because when I’m dressed in my regular clothes I don’t look like a fast swimmer but in the pool I’m fast, like Superman.”
For Clark her main goal is to make Nationals in the mile and the 500 Free.
Webster said that Clark has been a figurehead for the team but she’s also one of several female swimmers who have achieved a lot this season, among those are Katie Porter and Allison Clark.
“They are all key factors in success the team has experienced this season,” said Webster.
According to Clark, the team is resting up in preparation for the upcoming NWC Championships.
“We’re at that point where unless something catastrophic happens we are all lined up,” said Webster. “Everybody is on the same page and excited for the possibility of national recognition.”
The NWC championships take place February 10 through the 12 in Federal Way, Washington.