Plano: New team is breath of fresh air for freshman

Freshman Cassidy "Bo" Merckling's decision to swim for Plano rather than Plano West caused a ripple of controversy, even in the Merckling household.

Two brothers are either past or present students at Plano West. Eldest brother Bryce was the starting quarterback on Plano West's football team the last two seasons. He is redshirting at Midwestern State this season.

Most reluctant about Bo's change was her dad, Bryan Merckling.

However, it was her dad's persistence – which eventually led him to a meeting with the UIL – that cleared the way for her transfer approval. She didn't find out until the second day of classes this fall.

Bo's change was for health reasons. She has an asthmatic condition that flared up during swim practice and led to two emergency trips to the hospital in the last two years. Plano West's new natatorium is similar to the one where Merckling had a problem. She thinks the Plano facility has better ventilation.

Merckling believes she has her breathing problem under control, but she didn't want to take any chances.

"I know I could have been happy at either school," Merckling said.

Merckling swims for Plano but is a student at Jasper High in Plano.

By the time Merckling was 12, she had set seven age-group state championship swimming marks. She is currently competing in the 200 individual medley and the 100 breaststroke. She also swims on a couple of relays.

She says her swimming suffered because of her breathing problem, but she's confident she can regain her form. Now, if only dad will come around.

"I've told him he'd look good in maroon," Merckling said.

Southlake Carroll: Brother, sister can relate in distance events

Distance events run in the family for the Southlake Carroll brother-sister tandem of Wil and Claire Singley. They specialize in the 200 and 500 freestyle.

Wil, a senior, finished eighth in the 200 and third in the 500 at last season's state meet. Claire, a sophomore, was 12th in the 200 and 10th in the 500. Both say they benefit from going through the experience together.

"Especially last year, when I was a freshman and I didn't know what to expect," Claire said. "I'd watch him to see how he responds to situations."

Because Claire, 15, won't get her driver's license until March, she shares rides with her brother. In addition to the school team, they also swim for the same club.

"She's helping me, too," said Wil, 17. "It is great to have someone to go through difficult workouts with. It is inspiring to see her do the same things I have to do in practice."

Claire said she frets more about school and her swimming performance than Wil.

"I'm always doing homework, and he's always taking it easy," she said. "I get really nervous before a big meet."

Wil said he used to get nervous, too, but experience helps him relax.

"As for school, Claire is a brainiac," Wil said. "I get that, 'If you'd just apply yourself' line a lot."

BOYS SWIMMERS TO WATCH

GIRLS SWIMMERS TO WATCH

BOYS TEAMS TO WATCH

GIRLS TEAMS TO WATCH

KEY DATES

NOV. 16-17: TISCA North Zone Meet, Loos Natatorium

DEC. 13-15: Class 4A and Under TISCA North Zone Meet, Frisco ISD Natatorium

JAN. 19: TAPPS regional meets, various sites

FEB. 1-2: TAPPS state meet

FEB. 8-9: UIL regional meets, various sites; SPC meet, University of Houston

FEB. 22-23: UIL state meet, Texas Swim Center, Austin