We have one swimmer from our school competing in a co-op with Metamora, senior Izzy Enright. Last year she competed alongside MacKayla Harms. “It’s a little isolating, but I like being able to represent EPG in an under-appreciated sport,” she responded when asked how it feels to be the only one on the team from El Paso. The co-op coaches are Shane “Lefty” Morrison and Amber Johnsen. Lefty has coached at the Metamora school for several years, and Coach Johnson is new from the PAWW swim club this year. 

The team consists of over 20 girls. Izzy commented on the large size of her team: “Even though our team is a bit bigger than most of the other teams we compete with, everyone typically gets an opportunity to swim at every meet.” Izzy also mentioned that being the only one on the team from our school has its challenges: “It can also be really hard to bond with teammates outside of practices and meets.”  She said the team is looking great this season, with people having individual improvements and a good sectional lineup.  

Izzy most enjoys swimming the 50 freestyle and the 200 individual medley. “I really feel like I can push myself to do my absolute best, and it’s always a good feeling to take even fractions of a second off of my time.” She doesn’t dread any of the races, but doesn’t particularly enjoy the 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle. One difficulty with being in a co-op with Metamora is driving all the way to Peoria for practice. Most of the time, they will take the bus leaving from Metamora for meets. However, for meets in Bloomington, she will drive herself. While that may not be as fun as going with the team for meets, it’s more convenient for her.  The girls don’t do much together outside of practice, but they do have a team dinner before conference and sectionals, as well as a team bonfire at the start of the season. We can’t wait to see how Izzy improves this season, which lasts through November. Wish her the best of luck!