By Ayla Strong, Reporter
High school offers many opportunities for siblings to compete together mostly in the fine arts but for Senior High swimmers Luke and Hannah Dankert they are able to practice and compete in the same sport.
The boys and girls swim teams have been seeing a lot of success lately and two of the swimmers that are making a splash for the Islanders are brother and sister Luke and Hannah Dankert.
At the most recent meet on Jan. 11 where Senior High hosted Lincoln Pius X and Lincoln Northeast, Luke was unable to swim due to illness, but Hannah swam in a number of races.
The girls team won 10 of the 11 events and also finished strong in the relays.
Hannah won the 400 freestyle race and was also part of the first place 200 medley and the 400 freestyle race teams.
The junior and freshman have been swimming together for many years. Luke has been swimming competitively for nine years while Hannah has been competing for seven years.
Both Luke and Hannah agree their practices are filled with conditioning as they swim for two to two and a half hours a day.
“It is to get everyone in shape and ready to have a good season,” said Hannah.
Luke said he plans to improve along this season by doing plenty of training.
“We started with three hour practices back to back over Christmas break,” he added.
The two swimmers mentioned that Coach Brian Jensen encourages them all the time.
“He also helps with tips on swim technique and helps calm down the swimmer’s stress level before meets.”
Hannah said that swimming competitively takes the swimmers to many different towns and some to some different states and that is one of the many reasons she enjoys the sport.
She also said the main thing is that swimming, “creates many companionships that can be valuable for life.”
The two said they are hopeful that the team will have a good season and that a number of the swimmers will qualify for the state meet.
The Islander 