DCE veteran swimmer has team's respect

WESTON - D.C. Everest girls swimming coach Melissa Springer sent out a short questionnaire to her 30 team members before the season as a way to help decide the Evergreens' captains for the season.

Three main questions were asked — Who do you trust? Who would hold the individuals on the team accountable? Who has good relationships with their teammates?

Everest senior Rylie Westfall was the answer on more than one occasion.

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"Rylie's name came up over and over again as somebody who fits those categories," Springer said. "She really is a leader and knows how to bring the team together. She is very good at holding people accountable for what they do in and out of the pool.

"Around Rylie you are not slacking off. You are working hard," Springer said. "She is putting in her best effort so she expects that out of everybody else."

Westfall finished second in the 100- and 200-yard free during the Wisconsin Valley Conference meet last season and helped the Evergreens capture the conference championship.

"She is someone is always seeking to improve and is very coachable," Springer said.

Talk about being one of the captain this year. Is it a role you felt comfortable about taking on this year? I really like being captain. I think it's a good opportunity to be a leader and show the underclassmen around and how we do things (with the program).

Everest has a pretty deep team this year. Talk about the goals for the season: We definitely want to make a strong impression at the start of the year, winning our dual meets and giving our best efforts. When the (Wisconsin Valley) conference (meet) comes around, we want to have a good showing there as well.

Do you have the feeling that this program can repeat as conference champion? I think so. I feel that our team is strong enough to do it. We haven't seen  (SPASH) swim yet, but just the times they have had. That (dual) is two weeks.

What did last year's accomplishments mean to the returning swimmers this season? It definitely made us all work harder because we want to keep that title.

What are some of the things that really stand out about this group this year? I think we all are working hard. Even when we had our early-morning practices during the summer, we all came in with good attitudes and ready to get in the water. I think we just have a good group this year that is motivated.

What personal goals do you have for this season? I would really like to make it to state, whether it be in an individual event, a relay or both. Our 400 free relay is hoping to break the (program record) this year. I think we went about 3:42 last year (about three seconds off school mark).

What would you consider to be your top event? The 200 (free).

Would you like the opportunity to swim at the next level if it was available? I am definitely considering it. Right now Division I schools are kind of out of reach, but I had an opportunity at a Division II or Division III school I would definitely consider it.

What would you like to study in college: Kinesiology.

Tim Johnson: 715-845-0731, or timothy.johnson@gannettwisconsin.com; on Twitter@timmyjo11

RYLIE WESTFALL

School: D.C. Everest

Year: Senior

Sports: Swimming, track

Family: Father, Jake; mother, Becki; sister, Rachel

Favorite books: The "Divergent" series

Favorite subject: Chemistry. 

When started swimming: Sixth grade. I took lessons before that, but started swimming competitively then.

Favorite thing about swimming: The team. I love being around people, especially when you can excercise together. Your are more motivated I've tried working out by myself and it just doesn't work out.

Favorite swimmer: I really like Missy Franklin. I think she's a good role model.