Windham’s swim team outstanding during Southwesterns meet

Windham senior Chloe Desmond competes in the backstroke
race during the Southwesterns South Division swim meet
at St. Joseph's College  on Friday, Feb. 11.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Windham swim team gave it their all during the Southwesterns South Division virtual meet against Biddeford, Bonny Eagle, Freeport, Gorham, Kennebunk, Massabesic, Sanford, Thornton Academy, Waynflete, Wells and Yarmouth.

It was exciting for Windham to get to compete in a championship format with other schools for the first time since 2019. The Windham girls placed sixth overall with a score of 120. Windham boys finished 11^th with a score of 12.

Windham raced in-person with Bonny Eagle, Freeport and Yarmouth at St. Joseph’s College on Friday, Feb. 11.

After the remaining schools had completed their meets, they were all scored together.

“For us we haven’t been in a meet where we’ve had this energy,” said Windham swim team coach Peter Small. “What you saw was people were so overjoyed to have it – cheering each other on – I think it motivated everybody to go.”

Windham senior Chloe Desmond got a personal record in the 50-freestyle with a time of 29.41. Desmond also received a scholarship based on community involvement and academic success.

“I was so excited to see everybody swim, everyone did so good,” said Desmond. “Everyone all across the board got personal records. We have such a great bond and it’s just like a big family.”

Windham freshman Sarah Inman finished sixth in the girls’ 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:09.61 minutes. Not far behind her was sophomore teammate Grace Theriault with a time of 2:11.32. Theriault also finished with a time of 5:55.39 in the 500-yard freestyle.

“It was definitely tough, tough competition; a lot of fast swimmers,” said Theriault. “I think the team did really good; there were definitely some best times set.”

Windham junior Hannah Heanssler finished third in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 26.42 seconds. She also finished fourth in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 1:00.60.

Windham junior Ella Wilcox finished top 10 in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 1:06.16.

Windham senior Nate Fitzgerald finished with a time of 28.17 in the 50-yard freestyle and senior teammate Ryan Bowden followed with a 28.76 time.

Fitzgerald finished in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 1:03.51.

Windham senior Nour Humaid finished with a time of 1:38.28.

Bowden finished seventh in the 100-yard breaststroke with a 1:25.80 time.

Bowden said he thought the team did great. He said the season has gone well and said this team will always have a big part of his heart. <