After two months and two denied requests for a school swim program, the board of education approved the addition of a swimming team at the board meeting on, Monday, Jan. 9. The sport will be available to both De Soto High School and Mill Valley High School, beginning of next year.

Both schools together will be instructed under a single coach at the same practice, which will be located at Oregon Trail Middle School in Olathe. Board president Tammy Thomas said she is excited about the implementation of the new team.

“The amount of support [for swimming] is tremendous,” Thomas said. “This is really an opportunity for kids whose passion is swimming.”

The district will continue talks with the surrounding league for competition, which includes high schools such as Bonner Springs, Turner, Lansing, Piper and Bishop Ward’s combined team, Shawnee Mission South, Blue Valley West high schools. There are more logistics to work out, but Thomas has no fear of the future logistics.

“I don’t see a challenge in the implementation, it already has the support and the interest of the kids and the parents, the energy for the sport has just really continued,” Thomas said. “I guess the challenge is getting a coach hired because we don’t have a coach at this time, but that is not a challenge because the word is out and we expect to find someone quickly.”

There were too many details to complete within the 30-day time-frame that was demanded lastOctober, the first meeting where swimming was proposed to the board. Senior Zach Zarnstorff, an avid supporter of the swim team addition, said that though it is too late for him, as the team will begin to meet next year, it means good things for the school.

“I feel like it is a little late for me now, but it is good for those next year,” Zarnstorff said. “Swimming is a no-cut sport, so it is good that anyone who wants to in it can [participate]. We now have a bunch of good swimmers that could do well at state.”

Junior Chloe Stewart said that she is excited for the additional athletic option.

“I am looking forward to the addition of the swim team,” Stewart said. “I will finally be able to get involved in…athletics.”

With a large amount of student involvement and board support, Thomas and the board consider the addition of a swim team a victory for the whole district.

“I am just beside myself, it is a big win for the district,” Thomas said. “It is an opportunity to have those involved watch the board work together and think it through and ask hard questions and come to a resolve. So, I think it is really a great opportunity for us as a district.”