Swim team practices at Black Butte

The Sisters High School swim team is practicing at Glaze Meadow pool at Black Butte Ranch.

There are currently 10 girls and two boys on the team, according to swim coach Isolde Hedemark.

"When football season ends, we'll have two more boys on our team," she said.

The swim season runs from November 8 until February 26.

"Black Butte Ranch has been kind enough to let us practice here during the season," Hedemark noted. "Otherwise, we would have to make the much longer trip to Bend in order to practice."

The swim program is nearly outgrowing its facilities.

"Our program started four years ago and continues to improve," Hedemark said. This year we will have 14 swimmers and that's about maximum for workouts in the Glaze Meadow pool."

The swimmers are experiencing all aspects of their sport under Hedemark's direction.

"We want our swimmers to learn all four strokes: freestyle, breast, back and butterfly," she said. "They may not compete in each stroke but they'll be proficient."

The swim schedule includes meets at Sweet Home, Eugene, Stayton, Philomath and Woodburn, in addition to district and state meets.

Last year's girl's medley relay team finished a respectable fifth at the state meet. Coach Hedemark's daughter, Hilary, won the state event in the 200 individual medley and the 100-meter backstroke.

Austrian born Hedemark was a high school swimmer herself and has been a member of the Bend Swim Club for 12 years. She is also a stroke and turn judge for the Oregon Swimming Association.

The 20-meter Glaze Meadow pool is covered in winter by a large tent. The water is heated and hot air blowers are used to warm the inside areas under the tent.

For a winter high school team, a 25-yard pool is standard for short course events.