Junior Elaina Kohles began swimming when she was five years old.  In the beginning, she only swam during her summers, but she quickly got involved with club swimming because of  her cousins who were already club swimmers.  Currently swimming for Bel Air Athletic Club (BAAC), Kohles swims 5 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. three mornings a week, along with every weekday afternoon from 3:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.  “It’s definitely hard to keep up with my school work with practices in the morning and afternoon,” said Kohles.  The team spirit of the Patriots at championships is one of Kohles’s favorite memories. Her favorite event is 500 meter freestyle.  “I like the distance.  For me it’s a sprint,” said Kohles.  Her desire to swim at college has motivated her to succeed in swimming.  She is also motivated to lower her time to get into meets with qualifying times.  In the IAAM 2010 Championships, Kohles placed first in the 200 meter freestyle. 

Rachel Kokoska can be reached for comment at [email protected].