Solo I.V. swimmer earns respect for dedication
From our weekly issue dated January 06, 2010
Taylor Harris, the lone member of the Illinois Valley High School swim team, competed in three meets to end 2009, and another to get 2010 under way.
He swam at North Bend on Dec. 12 in one of the biggest meets of the season, hosted annually by the North Bend Bulldogs. Approximately 250 swimmers competed in all-day prelims and finals.
Nine schools competed: 4-A Illinois Valley, North Bend, Henley, Reedsport, Newport, and Hidden Valley; 5-A Marshfield; and 6-A Grants Pass and Roseburg.
Harris competed in the 200 freestyle and the 100 freestyle with finals times of 2:05.34 and 0:56.84 respectively. He came home with a 4th and 5th overall, which translates to two second places in the IVHS Special 4-A District.
On Dec. 15, Harris swam in the Grants Pass-hosted meet at the Grants Pass Family YMCA pool. Participants were from Grants Pass, Hidden Valley, North Valley and Illinois Valley High schools. His events were the 50 free and the 100 free. His finals times were 0:25.88 and 0:55.52 respectively.
He came in 3rd and 2nd overall, with two 1st places in the IVHS 4-A Special District.
The last meet before the holiday break was held at Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) in Klamath Falls, hosted by Henley on Dec. 19. Teams were from Henley, Hidden Valley, Klamath Union (5-A) and IVHS.
Harris swam the 50 and 100 free events with finals times of 0:24.86 and 0:56.44 for two more 1st places in his district.
The lone Cougar started the New Year with two more 1st places within the 4-A District at the annual Henley Freeze on Jan. 2. This meet is hosted at the Ella Redkey pool, adding the challenge of swimming outdoors in 34- to 38-degree weather.
The 10 schools attending were North Medford (6-A), Grants Pass, Klamath Union, Mazama (5-A), North Valley, Hidden Valley, Henley, Reedsport and Phoenix (4-A) and IVHS.
Harris competed again in the 50 and 100 free events with finals times of 0:25.12 and 0:56.34, defeating many 5-A and 6-A opponents along the way.
So far this season, Harris has captured six of eight 1st places in the IVHS Special 4-A District. The next three competitions will be held at Southern Oregon University at Ashland, with the final meet before districts at OIT.
His dedication to swimming has represented Illinois Valley in a positive light. Being the lone swimmer for IVHS has earned Harris respect and admiration from competitors and coaches alike.
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