When Becka Crandall was 14 years old, she was already a nine-year veteran of the Bridgeport Wildcatters Swim Team and aspired to be the coach. She was told if she really wanted to do it, she would have to wait until she was 18.

She did.

 

A brand new BHS graduate and soon-to-be member of the Fairmont State University swim team, Crandall is serving as assistant coach for the Wildcatters. By watching her with the young swimmers, one can tell she has taken to it like a fish does to water.

 

Just before Tuesday night’s home meet with Bridgeport Country Club, she sent them one-by-one off the starting blocks as they warmed up for their respective races. When it was go time, she gathered those who had early races, organizing them at the proper lanes. Along the way, there was a pep talk or two.

 

“I like working with these younger kids,” Crandall said. “I like that they look up to me and I love being able to help them improve.”

 

Not only does Crandall and the rest of the coach staff work with the young swimmers on strokes – butterfly, back, breast and freestyle – they teach them proper dives, flip turns and, of course, sportsmanship. Growing up with the team, she knows that technique is important, but there’s a whole lot more to competitive swimming than meets the eye.

 

Under the direction of Head Coach Sarah Logsdon with assistance also by Bella Malone – both also BHS alumnae – the Wildcatters already have two wins to their credit for the 2016 season.

 

Throughout the remainder of the season, the trio of BHS alums and their little swimming proteges will spend mornings at the pool.

“The kids come at 7:30 a.m. with smiles on their faces,” Crandall said. “They make it fun and I love it.”

 

During her years with the Wildcatter Swim Team, she made lasting friendships and became passionate about swimming. Although her specialty stroke eventually became freestyle, she started out swimming backstroke. She remembers swimming while she made her way down the lane.

 

Her first coach was Brittany Csonka. It’s kind of surreal to be called coach, but it’s also pretty great.

 

“It’s a great summer job and I love it,” said Crandall, who also lifeguards at Maple Lake.

 

Logsdon said she is glad Charlene Keener, a BHS teacher and Wildcatter mom and board member, recommended her for hire.

“She is sweet and great with the kids,” Logsdon said. “I am so glad Mrs. Keener found her.”

 

This is Logsdon’s fourth and final season as Wildcatter Swim coach. Upon graduation from West Virginia University, she will be relocating.

 

“I plan for a great last season and I am so excited to be working with Becka and Bella,” she said. “I believe we are going to have an awesome season with great coaches, athletes and parents.”

 

Home swim meets are typically held Tuesday evenings at Bridgeport Pool and away meets are held on Thursday evenings. 

 

Read about Crandall's high school swim accomplishments and her future with the Falcon Swim Team HERE.