The Parrish Community High School swim team has been making steady waves this season, pushing through a packed schedule of dual and double dual meets while sharpening their skills for the upcoming District Championship on October 24 at Selby Aquatic Center. With the state series on the horizon, the team is entering its most focused stretch yet. 

Coach Courtney Lancaster says the team is shifting gears as the postseason approaches. “Our next step is to focus on state series. Training for the rest of the season is going to be race specific for each swimmer’s district events,” she explained, emphasizing how each athlete will be fine‑tuning the events they plan to compete in. 

After their season debut in August, the season continued September 9 with a challenging meet against Riverview High School and Sarasota High School. Parrish didn’t win overall scoring, but still delivered standout moments, especially from Junior Kaleb Nonnemaker, who dropped major time in both of his events. His 200 Freestyle fell from a 2:16 to a 2:07.75, and he cut nearly three seconds off his 100 Butterfly, clocking a 1:00.80 after earning a 1:03.83 at Regionals last year. 

On September 12, the Bulls faced Palmetto High School and Bradenton Christian School. Parrish won in combined points, with the boys taking first and the girls finishing second behind Bradenton Christian. Freshmen Evan Weinkein and Colten Russek stood as a strong relay duo, building a dynamic both in practice and competition. 

The team returned to familiar water on September 16 against Lakewood Ranch High School and LWR Preparatory Academy, a repeat of their season opener. Results are still pending, but swimmers approached the meet with more confidence and clearer race strategies. 

On September 25, Parrish met Palmetto again, this time at Lincoln Aquatic Center; both teams' home pool. The boys won while the girls fell short, but Parrish also took the combined victory in combined points. The meet also included senior recognition for three swimmers who have left a lasting impact on the program: Emma Hutson, Luke Ferra, and Ella Stanford. 

Hutson joined the team in her senior year after moving from Arizona. She plans to either enter the workforce or possibly join the military after she graduates. Luke Ferra and Ella Stanford have swam for Parrish Community since their freshman year. Both will receive their four-year varsity plaque at the end of the season. Ferra plans to attend New College while Stanford hopes to attend flight school after graduation.  

The biggest meet so far came on September 30 at the Manatee County Championship. Despite two girls being injured, forcing Parrish to scratch several races, the Bulls still finished strong with the boys taking 2nd and the girls taking 7th, leading to a 2nd place finish overall out of 10 teams. The boys placed 2nd in all three relays (200 Medley, 200 Free, 400 Free), earning crucial points that boosted the team’s overall standing. 

The meet also brought some individual achievements. Freshman Griffin Harter and Sophomore Leonardo Pace tied in the Boys 100 Freestyle with a 59.30, breaking the one‑minute barrier for the first time, something both swimmers had been chasing all season. Meanwhile, Nonnemaker crushed his season goal in the 500 Freestyle, finishing with an impressive 5:41.75. 

With personal records dropping, relay teams strengthening, and postseason energy building, the Bulls are heading into Districts confident, motivated, and ready to dominate when it matters most.