The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by David Grimes for The Quill
"Being on the swim team makes me feel good about myself. It also teaches me how to work towards goals and about teamwork. It helps me learn about how to win and how to lose,"Kristin Wolf, Union elementary third grader, explaining her love of the water in an essay assignment for school
Kristin Wolf got used to the wonderful world of water sports at a very early age.
"We would take her along when we went boating and fishing and let her play in the water," said Kristin's mom, Aimee Wolf. "She's always loved being in the water." The exposure must have had its effect.
Kristin took first place in the 25-yard breast stroke with a time of 25.33 and again in the 50 yard freestyle with a time of 42.21 at the Illini District Junior Championship meet in Clinton, in February.
And, as a member of her 4-member relay team helped swim to a time of 1.12.14 and 14th place in state competition at DeKalb last month.
While the awards for the state achievement are still enroute, Kristin has bunches of ribbons garnered at local swim meets from the the past year.
Kristin is the daughter of John and Aimee Wolf, rural Biggsville and a member of the Warren County Waterbugs swim club.
The Union Elementary third grader from Carolyn East's class swims at least 3 nights each week for a minimum 1-1/2 hours while in training.
Club members compete with other clubs around the state from September to March.
This is Kristin's first year as a club member, but she said she expects to compete for many years .
The club consists of young swimmers ranging in age from 8 through the teen years.
"The club has a membership of about 16 and has a good mix of younger and older boys and girls, according to Aimee.
Membership fees are $100 per year and the cost of a team swimsuit.
Meets are held around the state "Jacksonville, Decatur, Bloomington' as well as locally.
Aimee Wolf said the chance to swim with other kids provides Kristin the opportunity to make new friends as well as pursue her sport of choice. "And the older kids are good role models," she added.
Whats Kristin's enjoys most about being a Waterbug is, "I like competing with other people," she said.
"And she gets to meet kids from other schools, too," said Aimee Wolf. "The kids don't focus on winning only, but to work toward improving their personal best time."
For additional information on the Warren County Waterbugs swim team, contact swim coach Trevor Davies at the Y in Monmouth.