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Reynoldsburg City Schools News Article

RHS Swims Towards Success

When COVID-19 meant the RHS Swim Team had to put practice and workouts on hold, Nate, a senior at RHS’ (HS)2 STEM Academy, felt like a fish out of water. “Those two months were the longest I had been out of the water,” the senior, who had been swimming since he was two years old, said. “Fortunately Zoom workouts and the ability to get back in the water about ¼ of the way through the summer season really helped.”

Helped indeed, as Nate and his fellow swimmers had tremendous success at the East, Southeast and Central Districts as well as in their individual heats.

Coach Dorsett, a 7th grade Math Teacher at Waggoner Road Junior High School attributes that success to the dedication of the team. “Our swimmers go out day in and day out to put forth the best version of themselves,” he said. “My favorite part of coaching is being there for the swimmers in and out of the pool.”

When asked what advice he had for those interested in joining the swim team, Coach Dorsett said, “DO IT!”

“We have had so many swimmers who were afraid to go in the deep end, but overcoming fears and insecurities is something that we work with ALL our swimmers with, no matter the level.”

Coach Dorsett and his wife have two very energetic dogs, consider themselves “professional Netflix bingers” and love to try new vegan foods.

Nate echoes his coach’s advice. “I’ve had friends who were hesitant to join because they thought maybe they weren’t fast enough, or they’d be judged, some had never been in a pool,” he said. “But my advice is ‘don’t let fear be the one thing holding you back.’ If you are interested in swimming, talk to a member of the swim team, you won’t regret it!”

Nate is working on qualifying for the Olympic Trials in the 50M Freestyle. He hopes to join the U.S. Naval Academy, study chemistry, and of course, keep swimming. (Updated!): Nate swam in the OHSAA State Meet and dropped his time .19 seconds, which set a new RHS Team record of 20.36!

Jaila, a senior at RHS’ BELL Academy find Zen in swimming. “My favorite stroke is the backstroke,” she said. “All I have to do is breathe.”

While Jaila grew up swimming with her grandpa and cousins, she didn’t swim competitively until joining the Swim Team. “I am not a fan of land sports,” she said. “But I wanted to be a part of something outside of school. I figured, why not try something I like?”

Jaila likes to make clothes and volunteer. She plans on attending Wright State and becoming a psychiatrist so she can help young children, teens and the elderly.

Kasey, a senior at RHS' eSTEM Academy loved the energy of swimming. She favors the butterfly leg of the relay, because it combines her favorite stroke and is very "sprinty." "I am also the anchor of our 200 free relay which is super fun because I get to put all my energy into getting us the best placing during our meets," she said.

Kasey said the best advice she's been told is to keep her head up (above water) whenever a race doesn't go the way she expects. Kasey hopes to continue swimming at Case Western Reserve University, enjoys playing the piano and would eventually like to live in a tiny house.

Check out our Swimmers’ success below!