It was no surprise when sophomore Jackie Teller qualified for the New York state championships two weeks ago: a member of the varsity team since the seventh grade, Teller can swim with anybody.
. True to form, she didn't disappoint once she got there. Teller finished 19th in the 200 free (1:56.32) at the state Public Schools Championship in Buffalo on Nov. 20. She also placed 12th in the 100 breaststroke (1:08.48) Public Schools race.
"She is a very determined kid," Syosset coach Rich Powell said. "I think that the experience she gained being up there this year is going to be so beneficial to her in future years."
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The state championship berth should only enhance the rest of Teller's high school swimming career.
"She'll be able to set her goals a lot higher," Powell said. "She's now able to realize what it's like. The nerves won't be as much of a factor for her."
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While her swimming season may be over for 2010, Teller will turn her attention to the Long Island Athletic Club (LIAC) swim team. In two weeks, she'll be competing with LIAC at the Junior Nationals in Buffalo.
"She's got a bright future ahead of her," beamed her coach, happy that she'll be a Brave for two more years.
