i Freshman breaks 6 Cony High records
Morning Sentinel
Freshman breaks 6 Cony High records
BY GARY HAWKINS
Staff writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 03/23/2009

BY GARY HAWKINS

Staff writer

Fourteen year-old freshman Victoria Weber has hundreds of quality hours ahead of her before her swimming career at Cony High School is over. She's logged quite a few already.

This season, Weber broke six school records while also finishing fourth in the Class A state meet in the 100-yard butterfly and eighth in the 200-yard individual medley.

Over the weekend, Weber competed in the New Englands for the KV YMCA Stingrays, but that's not unusual. She's in the pool, swimming or competing just about every day.

"It's the only sport I do," Weber said. "Swimming is pretty much my life."

For her efforts, Weber has been named Kennebec Journal Girls Swimmer of the Year.

Cony coach Jon Millett knew he was getting a rare talent when Weber entered high school.

"She can swim any event and be competitive," Millett said. "She had a top 16 in any event (in the state)."

Given Weber's talent and competitive nature, Millett sees state titles for his budding star in the near future.

"It's a no brainer," he said. "She'll be there."

Weber attended Cony swim meets when she was an eighth grader but was pleasantly surprised when the team doubled in size to 50 swimmers on the boys and girls team.

"It's a team sport but at the same time an individual sport," she said. "You can push yourself, but you have to have your teammates pushing you, too."

The butterfly is Weber's best event. She placed second in it at the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference after getting touched out at the wall. A slender 5-foot-6, Weber has a swimmer's build, according to her coach.

"She's got the natural physique of a swimmer," Millett said. "She's all muscle from head to toe."

Weber is considering adding weight training to her regimen this summer to gain some leg strength. She'll also continue to train at the YMCA under Millett who has helped out quite a bit already.

"I've really enjoyed him coaching me," she said. "He's helped out my stroke technique and helped my confidence."

This year Weber set school records in the 100-, 200- and 500-yard freestyle events, the 100 butterfly, the 100 breaststroke and the 200 individual medley.

"I worked hard," she said, "but I didn't expect to be as successful as I was."

Gary Hawkins -- 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com

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