By Josh McFadden | [email protected]

Coming off a fourth-place showing at the Class 6A tournament last season on the girls’ side and an 11th-place effort for the boys, Bingham has room to improve. With both in-the-pool and out-of-the-pool work, head coach Rachael Kankamp is confident her squads can make strides in the 2018–19 campaign. 

“I expect the kids to be dedicated and put the work in now,” she said. “If they are able to do this, I expect they will be able to reach their goals by the end of the season.”

Kankamp will rely on several competitors this season to pace the teams. On the boys’ side, senior Logan Johnson will swim the 200-yard freestyle and the 500 free. Another senior, Sean Yraguen, is the sprinter of the group. He specializes in the 50 free and the 100 free. Meanwhile, senior Hunter Browning will join Johnson in the 200 free and 500 free, while junior Aiden Martin will headline the 100 breaststroke event. Nate Rock, just a sophomore, has high hopes in the 200 individual medley and the 100 breast. 

There’s plenty of firepower on the girls team as well. Senior Kamree Kelley will swim in the 200 free and 500 free events. Kankamp is optimistic about senior Cayla Callus and junior Lexi Middleton, who will also give it a go in the 200 free and 500 free events. Middleton will also take on the challenge of the 100 breast. Sara Wimmer, a junior, does well in the 200 IM and the 100 breast.

“I am looking forward to the swimmers achieving their goals, improving upon where they started, seeing hard work pay off and having fun,” Kankamp said.

While swimmers concentrate on their individual efforts and times, their accomplishments lead to team success. Every team member understands this, and Kankamp said this mindset improves teamwork and camaraderie. The cohesion is a hallmark of the Miners’ program. 

“Their biggest strength is their commitment to the team,” she said. “They are always supporting one another and cheering for one another. They genuinely want to see their teammates succeed. They also are extremely hard working. Each swimmer is dedicated, and they all have positive attitudes.”

Early morning practices and long meets can challenge the mettle of any swimmer. Kankamp is pleased to work with young men and women who know the importance of setting goals and working toward them. For her, this is the most gratifying part of her job at Bingham.

“The best part of coaching is seeing the kids achieve their goals,” she said. “Nothing makes me happier than seeing the joy on their faces when they have gotten a best time and/or had the swim of their lives. It is exciting seeing them do things they didn't think they could do or are capable of.”

Kankamp said it’s too early to forecast where her teams will finish by the time region and state competition roll around in January and February. She said it’s important that everyone on the team, especially the younger swimmers, work hard to drop their times and score points for the squad.”

The Miners will compete in Region 4 against Lone Peak, American Fork, Pleasant Grove and Westlake.