There’s an old kids rhyme that says, “First is the worst, second is the best.”
That might be a way of dealing with failure when you’re young, but it doesn’t do much for kids as they get older and the stakes of competitions get higher.
The co-op swimming team made up of athletes from Bellwood-Antis, Tyrone, and Bishop Guilfoyle came in second two weeks ago at the District 6 2A championship meet, every loss comes with things to be proud of and ways to improve.
Second might not have been the best, but there was a lot for B-A athletes to take away from it.
Bellwood-Antis junior Cameron Gallagher was one athlete who had a lot to be proud of. He was part of a group that finished 2nd in the 200 free relay.
“Coming in second at any swim meet is a great feeling, but especially at Districts when you’re competing against students from all over district 6,” said Cameron. “We all had fantastic swims but unfortunately the other teams were just a bit faster. Finishing second means that I need to push harder next year to finish first. Last year my relay team achieved it and hopefully we can recreate that success again.”
Central Cambria won the 2A meet, finishing 60 points ahead of the contingent from Tyrone, B-A and Bishop Guilfoyle.
Other B-A athletes who swam in Districts were Ned Smearman, Cam Nelson, Chase Gallagher, Julie Kraft, and Blake Pennington. While these swimmers didn’t place in the meet, they have a lot of hope for the future. All of those swimmers are underclassmen.
“I plan to improve by working hard, learning from my mistakes, and getting injured less,” said Smearman.
Congratulations to the swim team and good luck for next year!
