Here's the unabridged version -- with more questions and answers -- of the interview with West York's Courtney McIntyre that will appear in Thursday's York Daily Record. She's our YAIAA Girls' Swimmer of the Year
By STEVE NAVAROLI
Daily Record/Sunday News
Safe to say it was quite a year for West York’s Courtney “Cookie� McIntyre.
The junior once again proved her versatility in the water, swimming a variety of events, where she won YAIAA titles in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100 breaststroke.
Not one to get bored swimming the same events, McIntyre swam the 100 butterfly at the District¤3 meet and placed fourth. She also finished districts with a silver medal in the 200 IM, but saved her best for last.
McIntyre ended her season by capturing sixth-place medals in both the 200 IM (2:10.48) and the 100 fly (58.57) at the PIAA Class AA championships.
We asked the Daily Record/Sunday News girls’ swimmer of the year the following questions:
What was the highlight of your season?
I think it was Senior Night. It was so much fun, we had our pep band come, and it was great. Parents were dancing, (the York YMCA) was vibrating.
Not including yourself, who would you pick for girls’ swimmer of the year?
Probably (York Suburban swimmers) Jess McInerney or Lauren Schmittle.
Did you exceed your expectations this year?
I don’t really remember what goals I set for the high-school season. I would have liked to have had better times. (The team) was really small, we didn’t have much expectations winning-wise, but we were excited for the two wins we got.
Is there anything you wished you accomplished this year?
The 100 butterfly, I wanted to get a personal best (and break my own school record) from states last year.
What opponent did you enjoy matching up with?
(Any of) the better swimmers. Danielle Ierley (of Dallastown), but I didn’t get to race her this season. I like racing Jess McInerney.
If you weren’t a swimmer, what sport would you play?
Gymnastics, I did it when I was really little, but eventually quit it for swimming.
Are you glad girls don’t normally shave their heads?
I wouldn’t want to shave my head, but if a girl wants to do that, more power to her. I did see two girls at states that had shaved their heads.
What do you think you will be doing at this time next year?
I will probably be really happy at the end of senior year and getting ready for my senior trip. Hopefully I will have decided on a college (where she plans to join the swim team).
Why is your nickname “Cookie�?
Actually, it came from my older sister Danielle, (who is three years older). When she was young, I was a baby. She tried to pronounce “Courtney� and couldn’t say it, so she said “Cookie.� My parents liked it, and it stuck.
Is the water ever too cold?
Oh yeah, a lot of the times it is. In the summer we went to a meet at Meadowbrook in Maryland (North Baltimore Aquatic Club). I never touch the water with my toes, I just jump in.
If you had an absolutely free day, what would you do?
I would probably go to the beach, or shopping. But I can go shopping at the beach, so that would be it.
Do you like comedy, horror or drama movies?
Comedy. I hate horror movies. I like Ben Stiller movies.
What music is in your MP3/CD player now?
I think it is “Panic! at the Disco.� (The band is) upbeat, not quite pop.
What is your favorite TV show?
One Tree Hill, it’s like a regular high-school drama show.
What is something people don’t know about Courtney McIntyre?
(Pauses to ask parents.) I guess I have always wanted to a hairstylist since I was little because my aunt was one.
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