Titanic Splash
NEW WILMINGTON — When it came time to pick a college, Kelsey Reott had to put her head ahead of her heart.
Reott longed for the challenge that swimming at an NCAA Division II program could provide. She had plenty of choices at that level — including No. 1 on her wish list, Edinboro University.
At the same time, Reott had to consider academics.
Reott, a Slippery Rock High graduate, got lucky. She found both at Westminster College.
“I did an overnight stay and I loved it,” said Reott, a freshman at Westminster. “Academics were more important to me than swimming. The academics here are great. I know I am going to get a great education and the swimming has been very competitive.”
Reott hasn't decided on a major yet. There is no doubt of her impact on the Titans' swimming team, however.
Reott has excelled in the 100- and 200-yard backstroke and the 200-yard individual medley this season.
At Grove City College last week, she took home first place finishes in all three events.
“I definitely had to adjust to a new coach,” Reott said. “Coach (Rob) Klamet has an incredible record here. I just had to let go and trust him. He definitely knows what he is doing.”
Klamet is 190-73-2 in his 27 years as the women's swimming and diving coach. He also coaches the men's team at the school and has 360 combined wins under his belt.
To get ready for Westminster and its perennially successful swim program, Reott put many hours and laps in the pool this summer.She worked with Grove City High School swimming coach Karen Wendelschaefer to prepare for what was awaiting her in New Wilmington.“She definitely prepared me a lot,” Reott said. “She always has.”Reott, though, is no stranger to hard work. As well as swimming for Slippery Rock during her high school career — and qualifying for the PIAA Swimming and Diving Championships in two events last year as a senior — she competed for club teams.Reott is accustomed to the early wake-up calls for morning swims. In fact, she relishes any chance she has to plunge into the pool and compete.“We practice tons here,” Reott said. “I'm used to it.”The only thing that has been a surprise to Reott is her early success.Her times have dropped nearly every meet.“They were lower right from the beginning,” Reott said. “I was kind of thrown right in there and I've been pretty happy with my times. They should get better later in the season when I taper.”That has Reott thinking big.She set goals for herself before the season started, but has had to adjust them slightly as seconds have melted off her times.“I want to win (a Presidents' Athletic Conference title),” Reott said. “It's definitely a goal of mine. I hope to make it to Nationals. I want to accomplish a lot.”
