BY RICH PALZEWIC
CORRESPONDENT
Erin Samels is a senior member of the Bay Port girls swim team. Erin is a four-year state qualifier and will be heading to Madison this weekend both individually (100 Breaststroke) and with the 200 Medley Relay team. Samels is still undecided about where she will attend college and what she will study, but UW-Madison and biology are possibilities.
Name: Erin Samels
Nickname: Samels
Parents: Mary & Patrick
School: Bay Port
Sports: swimming
Twitter: @erinsamels
Your high school swim career is done…reflect. “It’s really sad to think about, because I won’t ever get that back and I won’t be swimming in college. Not being with this group of girls will probably be the hardest part because they are such good girls to be around. I’m happy with how things turned out.”
Are you ready for some aspects of swim to be done? “Overall I’m sad, but I think everyone gets to a point where they get a little tired.”
You’ve never lost a FRCC swim championship in your high school career! “Incredible! It began to feel normal, but it’s definitely special to be able to look back and remember that.”
Have you participated in any other high school sports? “Just running on the side, but I hope to do track in the spring. I’ve thought about it in the past, so hopefully I go through with it this year.”
Which events do you think you’d do? “Probably more sprinting, but I’m not 100 percent sure. Maybe the pole vault, too. I feel that could be good or just a total disaster!”
How about a sport you wish you had done? “Probably volleyball, but it’s also in the same season as swim.”
Do you come from a sports family? “My dad was involved in a lot of sports and my 14-year-old brother Sean is, too.”
Can you dive? “Oh gosh, no (chuckles). I can do a little jump, but nothing more than that.”
I know you are proficient in the Breaststroke, but is there a stroke you struggle with? “Ever since I’ve been little, the Breaststroke has been a stroke that has clicked with me. I don’t even think about it. The Backstroke is difficult for me.”
What is your most memorable sports moment? “Probably last year at state when our 200 Medley Relay team got on the podium (fifth) because we weren’t really expecting it.”
You have the same team going back to state for that event…what are you hoping for? “Top three would be nice! I’d also like to make it on the podium for the 100 Breaststroke.”
How about a most embarrassing sports moment? “Last year at state I got out of the water after the 100 Breaststroke and an official held his hand up to let the next girls know it was their time to get ready. I thought he was offering me a high five, so I gave him one and it was live-streamed on TV; he was very confused.”
What are some of your hobbies? “I do like to run and Shae Gustafson and I did the Cellcom half-marathon two years ago together.”
Thoughts of a marathon? “Maybe. It sounds kind of crazy to think about now, but I will look at it for the future.”
Have you ever done a triathlon? “I’ve never done one, but I plan to do one in the future.”
What is something about you that most people wouldn’t know? “I have a habit of sleeping for a very long time.”
If you could have lunch with anybody, who would it be? “It’s not anybody really famous, but I would pick just everyone from past swim teams. You don’t get to see them anymore, so a little reunion would be fun.”
Which teammate could survive on a deserted island? “Probably Riley Melendy because she has a lot of common sense that some of us don’t have!”
How about a teammate that you’d entrust with taking care of your pets? ”Probably Sophia Thibert because she likes pets.”
Chocolate or vanilla? “Chocolate.”
Dinner with friends or the movies? “Dinner with friends.”
Fruits or veggies? “Fruits.”
Puppies or kittens? “Puppies.”
What three words best describe you? “Persistent, compassionate, optimistic.”
How will Erin Samels be remembered at Bay Port? “I would think with my involvement in swimming, academics and clubs. Hopefully also with just being friendly to other people and my relationships with teachers.”
Favorites
Food: strawberries
Subject: biology/math
Athlete: swimmer Rebecca Soni
App: Snapchat
Board game: Sequence
Notes: suggestions for the Senior Spotlight can be submitted to Rich via email ([email protected]) or by Twitter (@richpalzewic)… all spotlights can be found online at thepress.media. Check out last week’s spotlight on Bay Port boys’ soccer player Alex Craig.