The Park City High School swim team triumphed at a home meet, led by Anna Klug, showcasing talent and community spirit as they aim for state championships.
PARK CITY, Utah — In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, the Park City High School swim team secured a decisive victory against South Summit and Cottonwood during a home meet held on Wednesday at the Park City Aquatics Center. This victory marks another achievement in a season filled with promise for the team, which has been bolstered by the contributions of standout athletes such as Anna Klug.
Anna Klug, a senior and newly committed swimmer to the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, has been an integral part of the Park City swim program. Her journey in the sport began at an early age, swimming in the very pool where she now competes, located within Ecker Hill Middle School. Klug’s passion for swimming was ignited at Trailside Elementary School, where her mother, Amy, has worked, facilitating a close-knit relationship with the community and the sport.
As she prepares to graduate this June, Klug’s commitment to swimming at the collegiate level reflects her dedication and passion for the sport. She plans to major in psychology, as she balances her academic pursuits with her athletic aspirations. “I’m excited for the next chapter,” Klug said. “Swimming has been such a huge part of my life, and I can’t wait to continue it in college.”
During the meet, Klug showcased her talent across multiple events, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success. Her performance was complemented by fellow senior and team captain Catherine Schofield, who competed in the 200 Free and the 100 Back. Schofield is considering future opportunities with prestigious programs like UCLA and UC San Diego, indicating her potential for collegiate competition. Outside the pool, she also serves as a lifeguard supervisor and swim lesson teacher at the Aquatics Center, demonstrating her commitment to the sport and the community.
Other notable contributors to the team’s victory included juniors Axel Solander and Harrison Bae, along with sophomore Josh Ostrovsky. Ostrovsky, who is also involved in Jazz Band, shared the challenges of balancing multiple extracurricular activities, stating, “Waking up at 6 a.m. for swim practice and then going to band is tough, but it’s all worth it.” This dedication reflects the team’s strong work ethic and commitment to excellence both in the pool and beyond.
The Park City swim team has garnered attention not only for their competitive spirit but also for their community ties. Former teammate Belle Matlby, a member of the Class of 2021, currently works as an Assistant Manager at the Ecker Hill Pool while attending the University of Utah. Her experience as a student-athlete has allowed her to contribute back to the community that shaped her.
Aquatics Coordinator Britt Mitchell oversees the facility and has been instrumental in fostering an environment conducive to both competitive success and personal growth for the athletes. “We’re proud to support these young athletes as they strive for excellence in their sport,” Mitchell stated.
Assistant coach Alec Goldfield expressed his pride in the team’s performance, especially following a long holiday break. “The athletes, including Anna, performed exceptionally well. It’s impressive to see them racing fast and maintaining their training regimen as we approach our upcoming meets,” he noted. Goldfield’s feedback highlights the team’s resilience and readiness for future challenges.
South Summit’s swim team, led by coach Leigh Anderson, a Park City native and former swimmer in the district, finished the meet in second place. Anderson’s connection to the local swimming community adds an additional layer of rivalry and camaraderie to the competition.
Looking ahead, the Park City swim team will compete in an away meet scheduled for next Wednesday at Salt Lake City’s Highland High School. This upcoming event is one of four remaining meets before the regionals, where the team aims to qualify for the state championships. With a legacy of strong performances, the team is optimistic about their chances of continuing their successful streak.
As the season progresses, the commitment and teamwork displayed by athletes like Anna Klug, Catherine Schofield, and their teammates remain a source of pride for the Park City community. Their dedication to the sport not only exemplifies their competitive spirit but also reinforces the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and community support in achieving their goals.