Water churned and cheers reverberated over the packed stands as CHS played host to the Oakland Activities Association division III swim championships on Nov. 3-5.
The Clarkston varsity swim team held their heads far above water, finishing in second place overall, but failing to qualify any swimmers for the State finals.
‘They have trained so hard this year,? said Coach Kenwyn Chock. ‘We had a really good season.?
Clarkston did not take first place in any of the individual events during Nov. 5 finals, but did take second in 6 events and placed in the top five in 10 of 12.
Senior Chelsea Hassett turned in a heroic individual performance for the Wolves, finishing in second in the 50 freestyle. She also joined in a third place 200 freestyle relay finish featuring sophomore Amanda Hassett, senior Kelly Kiel and senior Erin Richards.
Chelsea Hassett’s grace in the water was polarized by a significant limp along the pool deck. Earlier in the week Chelsea Hassett stepped on a piece of glass and chose to forego surgery so as to avoid stitches, which would have closed both her wound and her season.
‘She definitely gets the iron man award,? said Chock, who added that Chelsea is one of the teams top swimmers.
Chelsea painfully tred the halls of CHS for close to a week and was constantly buoyed by her teammates shoulders, at the championships, as she waited for her next heat.
Sophomore Kandice Keen was particularly strong for the Wolves, taking silver medals home in the 200 individual medley and 500 freestyle. She also garnered a bronze in the 400 freestlye relay with Amanda Hassett, Kiel and senior Erin Richards.
Freshman Stephanie Kincaid was the Wolves sole entrant in the diving finals. She was the only freshman and one of two underclassman in the finals. Kincaid picked up three valuable points for Clarkston by virtue of her finish.
The Wolves registered 348 points, six ahead of third place finisher, Berkley, but 102.5 behind Farmington Hills Harrison.