The Westside varsity swimming team had their first meet of 2021 against Omaha Central at Norris Middle School. Both the boys and girls teams would start off strong in early relay events and coast their way through to a win. In the end, the teams combined to put up a total of 233 points to Central’s 194. Continuing her impressive junior season, Ali Desordi added both a first-place finish in 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly

“It’s always a great feeling to know that you’re helping your team accomplish a win,” junior Ali Desordi said. “My goal was to go out there and do the best that I could, and score points for my team.”

Along with DeSordi, Olivia Elbert also had two first-place finishes of her own. One in the 50 freestyle and another one in the 100 freestyle race. On the boy’s side, Kaden Guzman and Jack Ellison lead the way with every two first-place finishes. Desordi feels that she and her teammates’ hard work contributes to their success.

“I train hard every day in and out of the pool, which helps me stay focused on my goals for the end of the season,” Desordi said. “I like to compete and with a stronger girls team this year, it makes it fun.”

While the girl’s team is stronger this year,  the boy’s team has had to deal with many opt-outs due to COVID-19 and other reasons. Even with the loss of some teammates, the boys were strong throughout the event. Sophomore Kaden Guzman finished first in both the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke race while junior Jack Ellison took home the 100 butterfly and 200 individual medley. Guzman says the team just had to adjust to the changes.

“It’s definitely been a struggle trying to adjust to a lot of senior and fast swimmers leaving but this year has been all about adjusting,” said Guzman. “Our coaches are evaluating our strengths and trying to make the best relays possible and putting us in our best events.”

Even with all the changes and obstacles this season, the swim team is focused like all years on doing well at state. 

“Like every year, we work towards our state meet at the end of February. We’ll keep working hard and getting stronger and faster which will allow us to gain confidence going into state,” said Desordi. 

Westside’s next meet is Tuesday, Jan, 19th, at 4:30 p.m. against Grenta at Westside High School. That can be watched on our website and on the Westside Wired Youtube Channel.