Swim season opens on Saturday

Sikeston swim coach Heather Dockins works with swimmer Paul Ruff on his backstroke in practice Monday (photo by David Jenkins, Staff)

SIKESTON -- Sikeston's swim team opens the 2002 season on June 8 with a meet in Kennett.

This year the Sharks will be coached by former swimmer Heather Dockins, who was a member of the team for seven years.

"It is something I've always wanted to do," explained Dockins. "There were three assistant coaches who wanted to swim and didn't want to coach full time, so they asked me."

Dockins, 20, has high expectations in her first year at the helm.

"Hopefully, all the older kids can improve on their times," she said. "There is a very good foundation here already. There are also quite a few new kids on the team. Hopefully they can improve on their strokes and learn how to become good swimmers."

Assistant coaches Ben F. Marshall, Megan Nelson and Kayla Medley will also compete in the 18-year-old division, and should be Sikeston's most productive swimmers this year.

Other top swimmers include Taylor Allen (13), Morgan Fraser (9), Kacie Hust (11), Alicia Kennedy (12), Aidan Marshall (13), Victoria Moy (12) and Ariel Reynolds (11).

"There is a lot of strength in the 15-18 groups," said Dockins. "Our older grades should be really good, but there are a lot of good 11 and 12-year-olds too. We also have a good young group, which a lot of teams don't have. I think it's going to be a good year."

There are 60 individuals on the team now, but the Sharks are still looking for new swimmers. Anyone who missed signups and would like to join the team can call (573) 472-2443 for more information.