LANE 8 FULL OF HEART AT SOUTH MECK

 South Mecklenburg High School is known for being the home to one of the best swimming teams in the state.  The Ladies team has finished first or second in the state championship each of the last four years. The Men’s team finished second last year and look to contend for the State Championship once again.  Those accomplishments are something the entire school can be proud of, but the heart of the Sabres Swim Team lies in Lane 8. 

The Lane 8 Swimming Program, designed by Coach Leslie Berens is the home to a group of swimmers that have never been a part of a competitive swim team.  Following up on a policy set by last years coach, Ellen Mullis, South Meck employs a “no-cut” policy and allows everyone to be a part of the swim team. 

“These kids are willing to give their best and try hard at every practice,” said Berens. “They are an example to the other swimmers who are not giving 110%.”

“Despite the limited pool space available for this vital winter sport, South Meck wants to let students be a part of a high school team and feel like a part of their school. When 100 swimmers wear their team sweatshirt to school or dress up in shirts and ties, the whole school takes notice.  The kids feel proud to be a part of the South Meck swim team regardless of how fast they are able to swim.”

Jenna Laughlin, a tenth grader, has dropped 35.8 seconds from her times this season, including 21.53 seconds dropped in the 100 freestyle.

Charity Asbury, a ninth grader, has dropped 25.04 seconds from her times this season as part of the Lane 8 program.

“I really enjoy being a part of the team.  I want to continue to become a better swimmer and move up to some of the faster lanes. Our coach is really dedicated to South Meck and the swimming program, this makes it so much fun.”

No doubt Coach Berens knows a little something about swimming. Her three children have all found success in the pool.  Jessica was a successful swimmer on the Junior Olympic level and a leader on the 2003 South Mecklenburg State Championship team. She now attends the University of Florida.  Ricky was the National High School Swimmer of the year at South Mecklenburg and the 2006 National Champion in the 100 meter butterfly. He attends The University of Texas now.  Youngest son Tim is a freshman at South Mecklenburg this year and has swam competitively the last couple of years. 

“I recently heard that another high school had told interested swimmers they couldn’t be on the team unless they were a year round swimmer.  I hated to hear that, I believe we should allow anyone with the desire to be a part of the team.”

Lane 8 allows for that inclusion and Leslie Berens and South Mecklenburg High School are to be commended for developing the program. 

Lane 8 Swimmers
Jenna Laughlin 
Laurie Rissland
Charity Asbury
Marianna Donoso
Jarrett Cook
Aeiana Alva
Erika Thompson
Miguel Donneyz
Tabitha Vaccaro

Dropped 135.40 seconds in first two meets this season