September 18, 2002

International waters

High school swim team fields four foreign exchange students

By LISA PERKINS
Herald staff writer

      The pool at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center could easily be mistaken for international waters when the Traverse City women's high school swim team practices. Swimming along with team members from Traverse City Central and West High Schools are four young women who are a long way from home.
      Maria Lotareva, a 15-year-old from Russia, 16-year-old Kathrin Heyner from Germany, 17-year-old Pam Jordan from Mexico and 16-year-old Marcela Buitrago of Columbia are foreign exchange students at Central High School and fellow swimmers.
      "This is very unique," said swim team coach Toby Tisdale. "I've had one foreign exchange student on a team before, but never four."
      Jordan, the only one with previous competitive swimming experience, said she is really glad to be a part of the team.
      "Other foreign exchange students that I have talked to said you have to be part of a swim team if you can, it is so much fun," Jordan said.
      Heyner was also anxious to become part of the "Swimmin' Wimmin'," as the team is sometimes known.
      "I like to be in sports, I think it is a must, but I really like the long bus rides to the meets and spending times with the girls. There is so much spirit," Heyner said.
      Lotareva, who at 15 was too old to join a swim team at home in Russia, was glad to be able to become part of the team.
      "It's fun, but it is really hard work," she noted.
      Assistant coach Chris Byrne said having the girls on the team is a challenge for the coaches as well, language not being the least of it.
      "The girls don't say much and when I ask them questions they always answer 'yes.' I'm not always sure they understand what I am asking of them," Byrne said.
      "Sometimes I have to take a step back and explain some of the things we are doing in more basic terms. The other girls on the team are really great at helping them out and making sure they understand," she noted.
      "Getting to know their peers is a big part of the experience."
      Tisdale sees having the girls on the team as a great opportunity for everyone.
      "They bring so much variety and a different perspective on things to share with our girls and we can share the great sport of swimming with them. We'll certainly give them something to talk about when they go back home," he said.