Swimming in Regionals a big deal for three Water Sharks

Taking part in an event with other athletes from across your home state is a big deal, but being in one with athletes from not only your own state, but four others is even bigger.

?I think it?s fun because you get to know people more,? says Audrey Wubbena, one of the 11 swimming in the Y Regionals swim meet this weekend.

?When you have such a big group, it?s hard to get to know everyone.

?When you get to the smaller group, it?s more fun and the practices get a little more challenging. You learn a lot more,? she says.

?I also think it?s fun,? says Michael Kimball.

?You see all your hard work pay off in front of you. You see that you made it.?

Swimming closer to home will have an advantage.

?I think it will be better,? says Brennen Westphal.

?You won?t have as long to travel and you won?t have to stay at a hotel. You can just drive to the meet and drive back.?

What will it feel like to be swimming against those from all over the Midwest?

?I think it?s cool,? Wubbena says.

?You go to these meets and you see all different states coming together.

?You see the best of everyone there.?

The trio all have the same goal about swimming in regionals.

?My goal is to improve all of my times to make sure I can go as fast as I can,? says Kimball.

?I want to try and get first and improve my times,? Westphal says.

?I definitely want to get personal best,? Wubbena says, ?but if that doesn?t happen, I will be proud either way.?

The three will join eight other swimmers in the Y Regionals held at the Iowa City Wellness Center this weekend.

Swimming begins at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the event is free both days.