Photo by Raquel Hendrickson

The local USA Swim team, Arizona Seals, held its annual two-hour Swim-A-Thon Sept. 9 at Copper Sky Aquatics Center.

Their goal was to swim 5,000 yards (200 laps), earning donations per lap or one-time donations. Coach Laura Logan called it a “huge success.”

The funds allow the team to compete around the state and beyond. They have traveled to Washington and Texas in the past.

“I always tell them, ‘You’ve got to dream big dreams and go for it,’” Logan said.

Being part of Arizona Seals develops “hard work, commitment and dedication,” she said. “These kids just make a commitment to being better – physically, mentally, emotionally.”

Because the team started on the east side of Pinal County, most of its membership also transferred from Casa Grande, Florence and Coolidge. Swimmers continue to commute almost daily.

“Now that we’re here, we’re starting to pick up a lot of Maricopa kids,” Logan said. “My goal is to provide opportunities in this community.”

Swimming 2.8 miles to raise funds may seem extreme to a casual swimmer, but Logan said few people understand what the Seals are capable of. She is training them, no matter what age to be elite swimmers.

“We were at a meet in Scottsdale, and one of my swimmers came up to me and said, ‘Coach, we’re just as good as these kids in Scottsdale.’ I said, “Yes, ma’am. And some of us are better than them.’”