Annis leads Foxcroft swimming team looking to contend in Class B
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Foxcroft Academy senior Julia Annis, a three-time Class B state runner-up, leads a strong group of returning swimmers for Coach Jody Annis’ girls swimming team. Annis, who has finished as state runner-up in the 100-yard breaststroke twice and in the 50-yard freestyle once, will be joined by fellow returning state qualifiers Avery Carroll ‘16 (fourth in the 100-yard backstroke at last year’s state meet), Gabie Johnson ‘16 (seventh in the 100-yard backstroke and eighth in the 100-yard butterfly and Jil Annis ‘17 (part of the fifth-place 200-yard medley relay team).
Julia Annis
The Ponies also welcome back six additional seniors and will receive a boost from talented freshmen Jenna Clukey and Chloe Waugh. “Jenna is a strong competitor and will be a huge asset to the team,” said Coach Annis, who enters her third year as the head of the program. “Chloe is well-rounded and will do well in the longer distance events. We also have several new and returning girls to the team who are working hard and will add to our depth.”
2014 state qualifiers Clay Carroll ‘15 and Leo Lai ‘15 return to lead the boys team, which has seen an increase in its ranks from last season. Coach Annis called Carroll “our most versatile swimmer on the boys’ team” and noted that Lai “has been working hard in the off season and is showing major improvements already.”
Fellow seniors Zach Johnson, Dexter Canning, and Tony Tang also return and will be called upon to score quite a few points for the 2014-2015 Ponies. Senior Berkehan Taner, who has exhausted his eligibility, will help push the team as an exhibition swimmer, and Coach Annis will rely on a host of new swimmers to contribute. “All our swimmers continue to work hard and are improving,” she said.
The Ponies will open up against Brewer at the Piscataquis Regional PRYMCA this Friday at 6:15 p.m. “This season should be a great one, and I look forward to seeing lots of great swims and many records broken,” said Coach Annis.