Ripon High swimmers come out with a splash, winning another home meet! On Thursday, March 28, the RHS swimmers competed against East Union. They came out with a huge win, leaving RHS proud. On top of their victory, it was also their senior night. Seniors, Samantha Schied, Kira Basinal, Haley Schmickie, Owen Curtiss, and Madeline Stanely were all represented at the meet. Samantha Schied has been swimming for nine years, and is so excited to keep getting better.

Schied exclaims, “It feels unreal to be a senior. Since I’ve been a freshman I have always thought being a senior would be scary and now that it’s finally here it’s even more nerve racking, but I enjoy it.”

Schied is excited to take her water polo career to the next level, playing at Delta College this coming school year, but is still going to miss her years at Ripon High.

Schied says, “I will miss all of my friendships that I made throughout my four years and miss all of the van and bus rides to swim meets.”

Furthermore the new coach Kaela Gills, is proud of all her swimmers and thinks they will all have a great shot at sections! She is sad to see her seniors go, but is glad she has gotten the opportunity to coach them.

Gills states, “As a coach, it’s both fulfilling and bittersweet to see senior swimmers starting to embark on their journeys as they come to an end of their swim season. I’m also proud of their achievements and growth as they part ways with the team. It’s a true testament to the bonds formed and the impact of coaching on their lives knowing they’re ready for new challenges ahead.”

Coach Gills is proud of the seniors and made sure their senior night was special by getting them flowers, goodie bags, and baskets full of gifts. When announcing them one by one she made sure they felt special and cherished by the team. Overall the RHS swim team is happy they got to properly send their students off to their future endeavors with a special goodbye.