ETV News Stock Photo by Dusty Butler
The Spartans have big goals ahead of them this year and will look to achieve them with first-year head coach Alicia Whitesel. Whitesel has a coaching degree from Southern Utah University, married into a swimming family and currently teaches special education at the high school. “I’m doing what I love, working with kids,” she said.
The Spartans are eyeing another region title on both the boys’ and girls’ side. This will be a tough test as both Grand and Carbon, the state champs from a year ago, are in Emery’s region. If the Spartans are able to do so, a state title would be well with their grasp.
“I’ve been really impressed,” said Whitesel. “[Some of the kids] are already hitting the times they ended with last year.” Emery will look to build on that progress and continue to record faster times as meets progress. “They are an amazing group of kids. They work hard, get good grades and have no behavioral problems.” Whitesel said. “I couldn’t do it without all the help from Kaylee VanWagner and Lance Whitesel.”