Athlete of the Week
The Ida Baker Bulldogs continue to improve in the pool. As the program takes off, more talented swimmers are joining the squad.
One of the emerging standouts is junior Ryan Williams, who decided to compete for the high school team for the first time this season. He previously swam for Swim Florida for about four years, but took three years off.
“I had a lot of friends who are on the team and they asked me to come out,” Williams said. “They figured I’d be a great asset.”
It took some time, but Williams has improved gradually throughout the season and has a lot of upside, according to Baker coach Sue Postma.
The Daily Breeze Athlete of the Week turned in another strong showing last week in a tri-match with North Fort Myers and Oasis Charter.
Williams finished first in the 200 butterfly, timed in 2:01.25, and first in the 100 butterfly (1:07.99).
Those are the two primary events Williams expects to compete in at the upcoming LCAC and district meets. He also likes the 100 free-style.
Initial-ly, Wil-liams wasn’t sure what he was getting himself into, by joining a swim club. He didn’t realize how much training was involved.
Williams’ father, Tom, recommended that he try it.
“Actually, I got tricked into it,” Williams said. “My dad told me there was this cool kind of swim club where you can hang out and swim. I was like ‘really, I’ll go check this out.’ Then when I got there, they had me swimming all these laps.”
Since his return this season, Williams has rededicated himself and is hoping to continue his career in college.
Williams and the Bulldogs now are focused on a strong finish to the season. The girls’ team is 7-3 and the boys’ team is 6-3 heading into LCAC next Friday at Estero.
Honorable mentions:
Alyssa Dougherty, senior, North Fort Myers: Dougherty had 16 digs in a match against Cypress Lake and recorded eight service aces in a victory over East Lee County.
Olivia Lang-ford, freshman, Cape Coral: Langgord won the 200 IM and 100 freestyle events in a meet with Estero and Mariner last week.