(Photo: Mike Bennett/Special to the Springfield News-Leader)
What’s it take to win a team state title in swimming?
Three Glendale High School upperclassmen supplied some inside answers to that question after helping the Falcons capture the first-ever boys championship for a team from southwest Missouri.
A title takes talent, trust and teammate rivalries. It also takes depth, commitment and a reliable alarm clock. “It takes the willingness to improve, to find someone to push you,” said senior Andrew McIllwain.
Rivalries are essential to the growing process: “That helps make you better,” he said.
Junior Jack Beatty said it takes hard work, teaching younger swimmers the Glendale way and keeping a focus on the ultimate goal.