FRANKLIN — Franklin girls swimming qualified for state and believed they were headed to the championships. But with the shutdown of in-person schooling Tuesday, they thought their dream would be denied. Then Wednesday came a reverse decision, with four girls and two alternates getting a second chance.
"We were super happy that we were competing for state," Libby Proctor says. "We were making our shirts, getting ready for it."
"And I think the biggest question was what happened in the past 24 hours, that we were approved. We did nothing wrong. We followed all, you know the guidelines we were told to and now we were shut down," Lindsey Gerszewski says.
"I got the girls on a FaceTime. And said hey, you know, it might not be your ideal situation. But we are going!" Gerszewski says.
A tough decision for sure, since football season ended with the health order.
"My son is on the football team, and so you know it's just, we're very supportive of football. And we know that they're hurting, and we're hurting with them. But we hope that they, and they've really shown that support this week for us as well."
TMJ4 Sports Lance Allan asked what are your thoughts, saying 'you know what? I get one more shot at a second chance to finish my career?'
"Yeah, it was awesome. I was getting a lot of text messages saying we're so happy for you. Like we'll all be watching, we'll be rooting for you. I've gotten so many texts from a bunch of football boys as well, saying that they're so happy to see us compete, which I thought was amazing of them," Proctor says.
But the team is so grateful. Especially lone senior, Libby Proctor.
"I just want to thank the health department and thank our Athletic Director Jordan Hein and thank the district for letting us have the opportunity to be there on Saturday, and that we are all so grateful," Proctor says.