Submitted by Bellingham Bay Swim Team
In a year of unprecedented firsts, Bellingham Bay Swim Team has an unprecedented number of swimmers (seven of seven of their Whatcom County seniors) who have signed to swim at universities across the country for the ’21-’22 season.
Bella Cratsenberg, Bellingham High School, medalled at TYR ISCA Junior National Championships, commits to New Mexico University, NM
Teigen Detta, Mt. Baker High School, Futures qualifier, commits to Southern Illinois University, IL
Jonah Herring, Sehome High School, top finisher at Pacific Northwest Championship, commits to College of New Jersey, NJ
Gavin Jones, Bellingham High School, 2-Time USA Swimming All-American, commits to Dennison Univeristy, OH
Sara Jones, Lynden High School, 5 Time Washington state 2A finalist, commits to Concordia University, CA
Evan Trout, Bellingham High School, finalist at Pacific Northwest Championship, commits to Fordham University, NY
Korbin Vera, Bellingham High School, runner-up at Washington 2A State Championships, commits to New York University, NY
“To have all seven of our seniors realize this dream, and have this chance, is a testament to each of their tremendous commitment, and also to the wonderful support network of family, teammates, coaches, and community that played a part throughout the years,” says Head Coach Chris Coghill.
When the nation was closing down for social distancing efforts last spring, the team’s training facility Arne Hanna Aquatic Center in Bellingham also closed its doors. Training was at a halt—but these then rising seniors who had trained years for senior year championships, national championships, college scholarships, could not let their work and dreams fall to the side. Many of the student athletes swam in the frigid Padden Lake and, or followed individual dry land and strengthening regimes. As restrictions changed, and with the remodeled fitness facility opening in Lynden, Forge Fitness, the team relocated training to the Lynden pool.
The team trains under the direction of head coach Chris Coghill and dryland training coach Brad Jones and travels to St Petersburg FL in March for TYR Senior International National Cup.
