Gallery • 6 Photos

Aubrey Hall

Emily Dolloff-Holt (11) hopes to defend Manitou's state record in the 200m medley relay.

The sister star duo, Sydney (9) and Emily (11) Dolloff-Holt , has been in the attention of media since they started swimming competitively at the young ages of 5 and 6, and have been going to state level competitions for as long as they can remember. The girls swim year-round at the local Manitou Pool, where Emily teaches swim lessons during the off season. But things have changed this season, this is the first time both of sisters have been on the high school team and the results have been astounding.

For the first time, Manitou won a swimming league championship with an unprecedented 100 point lead on Kent Denver, the second placing team and fierce rival of the Mustangs. This success can be accredited to leadership and motivation both the sisters bring to the team.

The next big meet, the State Championships on February 12th, will feature both sisters competing in individual and relay events, “Hopefully we can win our relays, I’m excited about them.” said  Sydney. This will be the last year of the successful 200 free and 200 medley relay with swimmers Kethrys Buffa (11), Veronica Morin (12), Sam White (12), and Emily Dolloff-Holt (11). The relay holds a state record and several pool records around the state.

This past year has been one of best years in Manitou history for girls swimming. Nearly every pool record has been broken and the Mustangs have won every dual meet. The team motivation is at an all time high as the younger swimmers look up to the talented upperclassmen.

Next year will have a different atmosphere as all three captains, Morin, White and Carrie Linhart (12) are graduating, but the Dolloff-Holt sisters are ready to step up and lead the team with over 20 years of swimming experience between them. Emily will be one of next year’s captains, along with Carina Villarreal (11) and Spirit Captains Kaitlyn Davidson (10) and Maggie White (10). Both sisters are confident, despite the loss of some of the strongest swimmer, the next year the swim team will continue to thrive, “Our team has more depth than ever, I have no doubt next year will be great,” said Emily.