WOODINVILLE – So, this is how the other half lives.
With the Hal Moe Memorial Pool closed indefinitely due to structural issues, the Snohomish Panthers’ swim teams have been left without a facility to call home.
Snohomish has historically been one of a small number of area high schools with a pool, but, over time maintaining Hal Moe pool – which has long served the school district and the general public – has proven to be a considerable drain on finances.
Now, while a handful of area high schools, including Kamiak, Lake Stevens and Marysville-Pilchuck, continue to enjoy the relative luxury of having an on-site pool available for their swim teams as well as meeting the aquatic training needs of students, Snohomish has done what other districts have long had to do and contract for services.
With the girls’ fall season now in full swing, the Panthers have been practicing at the Gold’s Gym pool in Woodinville five afternoons a week and Saturday mornings.
While Hal Moe pool is located within reasonable walking distance of the Snohomish Freshman Campus as well as the high school — OK, some teenagers would surely argue otherwise — swim team members must now travel more than 10 miles to the Woodinville site and contend with predictably bad north-bound traffic for the trip back home.
“This is not new for high school swim teams,” Snohomish coach Rob Serviss said. “But, it is new for us.”
The transportation piece is a challenge, but the Panthers are adjusting to the change of scenery.
“The (Woodinville) facility is great,” said Serviss who is in his first season as head coach of the Snohomish girls and is the long-time coach of the boys team that has claimed two straight Class 4A State titles. “It’s working out just fine so far.”
The up-side of being forced to travel to Woodinville for practices is that it should help the Panthers prepare for a schedule consisting entirely of away meets.
The closest thing Snohomish has to a home meet might just be November’s swim and dive state championships at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.
Snohomish returns a host of swimmers with state meet experience – including Emily Ferreira, a sophomore who placed third in the 100-yard breaststroke in 2006 – and appears to have the most powerful team it has assembled since Erica Chandler won seven individual events while leading the Panthers to three straight state titles from 1998-2000.
Other returnees with state experience include Megan Blue, Jasmine Labitzke and Sarah Shawback, all juniors.
“We have the makings for a couple of strong relays,” Serviss said.
Snohomish boasts nine freshmen who are seasoned club competitors. The group includes Melissa Randolph who is poised to make an immediate splash.
“(Randolph) has a ton of talent,” Serviss said. “She can do just about anything and has the potential to make a big impact.”
And, like her fellow Panthers, will likely thrive in any pool, anywhere.
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