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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend February 3, 2006 One of the guys Lance Abbott fits in well with North’s swim team despite attending another school By KEVIN GOFF Mail Tribune Lance Abbott used his quick wit and laid-back personality to first fit in with his North Medford swimming teammates. His steady improvement in the pool hastened his acceptance. Abbott is a junior at Cascade Christian High, but because it doesn’t have a swim team, he competes for the Black Tornado. He’s turned his third season with North into a special one by becoming one of the top competitors in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events in the Southern Oregon Conference. Abbott’s individual success is mirrored by that of his team as the North Medford boys are 6-0, including a decisive victory over perennial SOC power Roseburg on Jan. 18. "That was so awesome," says Abbott of the triumph over Roseburg. "They’re always so good. We got a little revenge on them. That’s definitely a highlight I can look back on and say, ‘Heck yes.’" Advertisement Abbott has lopped nearly two seconds off his time in the 50 free from the start of the season. His personal best of 23.81 seconds set earlier this year topped his 24.23 mark last season. "Lance has made steady improvements over the last three years," says North Medford coach Barbara Houck, who has shared coaching the last four years with her husband, Don. "It’s very hard as a sprinter to do quantum leaps in time. But he’s gotten faster each year." Abbott has cruised to victories in all but one of his SOC races in the 50 and two in the 100. His lanky, 6-foot-3 frame is ideal for the sprints, says Barbara Houck. "He’s a tall kid with broad shoulders and thin hips," Houck says. "He’s just naturally quick." It wasn’t his prowess in the pool, however, that won over his new teammates three years ago as a freshman. "Lance is a funny kid," says Houck. "He always has something funny to say and always has a quick comeback. I think that helped him with some of the other kids." Nevertheless, it wasn’t a seamless transition. "It was pretty tough since everybody pretty much knew everyone else but me," says Abbott, who moved to the Rogue Valley from the Portland area when he was in the seventh grade. "We all click really well now." Abbott plays water polo in the fall and is a lifeguard during the summer at Rogue Valley Swim and Tennis Club and the Rogue Valley Scuba Center. But, unlike many high school competitors, he isn’t involved with a club swim team as a way of staying active in the off-season. "I swam for a club for about a year-and-a-half when I first moved down here," Abbott says. "I got kind of burned out on it. "Water polo helps get me in shape." Abbott isn’t the only one having a strong season for North, as sophomore Josh Silver, freshman James Gilmore and junior Brandon Fennell have also excelled. "Coming into the season, I knew we’d have some pretty good swimmers," Abbott says. "I definitely expected a lot more wins and better relay teams this year from us." The SOC district meet is Feb. 10-11 at the Southern Oregon University pool. North Medford’s 200 free and 200 medley relay squads — made up of Fennell, Gilmore, Silver and Abbott — will compete for district titles and a shot at the state meet. Abbott also figures to be in the mix in his two individual events. "I think the sprinters have it the toughest," says Houck. "But Lance has the potential and skill to get even better. He gets better and better every season." Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483 or e-mail One of the guys ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations Casinos Canada dvd-r Generic Viagra Myspace Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Student Loans Sudoku Online Advertisement s