Shaneve Swift and her teammates have three more meets before the District 28-5A. Photo by Marvin Pfeiffer

Shaneve Swift had mixed feelings about being on Clark’s varsity track team as a freshman.

She was confident in her ability after producing impressive results in middle school and with the Columbia Track Club in AAU competition. However, competing against upperclassmen with more experience was something different.

On the other hand, Swift looked at it as an opportunity to make new friends and try bigger adventures.

Being the adventurous type, Swift accepted the challenge.

After a month into the season, Swift is finding varsity track to her liking. She’s met several new friends. As a member of Clark’s 400-meter, 800-meter and 1,600-meter relays, there’s been more excitement than the freshman ever imagined.

During that time, she has teamed with Kayla Jarzombek, Ashley King and Celeste Smoote for a gold medal in the 400 (50.33). They have also earned a gold in the 800 (1:49.19) and a silver medal with a season-best time of 1:33.41 

In addition, she and teammates Brianna Lockett, Jarzombek and Mary Dresser have turned in strong work in the 1,600, including two third-places showings with a season-best (3:29.91).

“It’s been a nice start,” Swift said. “My coaches and teammates have really helped me. I think the experience with Columbia Track Club (during the summer) helped me. It helped me with my conditioning and building up my speed. I just try to stay focused on what I have to do.”

Clark girls track coach Anne Ager never doubted Swift could make an instant contribution. She knew it would be a big step for the freshman, but if anyone could handle it, Swift was the one.

“She has so much talent,” Ager said. “She has a smooth stride and great speed. I felt she could make a difference on our relays, and she is doing a good job. The good thing is she is going to keep getter better.”

Swift is getting to sample excitement in a variety of ways. She anchors the sprint and 800, while leading off the 1,600. Whatever relay she is running, her approach is to give it all she’s got.

“I like anchoring the relays, because the team is counting on me to finish it,” Swift said. “If we are behind, I have a chance to get us the win. I like leading off, because I can get us off to a good start. It’s exciting.”

If Swift has her way, the fun will only continue.

She and her teammates have three more meets before the District 28-5A meet, including Saturday’s Alamo Relays. The Cougarettes plan to make the most of every opportunity.

“We want to keep working harder,” Swift said. “We want to keep getting our times down and get better each week.”