Inspiration comes from different places.
Painters can be inspired by a beautiful sunset. Writers can be inspired by a good story. Athletes can be inspired by a underdog versus Goliath victory.
Last year, the Enumclaw High boys swim team and the Hornets’ track team found its inspiration in teammate Riley Scott.
Scott, a senior with special needs, is marking his fourth season in the water with the Hornets and come spring, plans to turn out for track again as well.
It’s Scott’s work ethic in the water that earned him the respect of his teammates who, through a blind-balloting process, voted him Most Inspirational.
“He’s always there,” 2010-11 team captain Travis Culp said. “Right after you race he’s there telling you you did your best.
“He’s always happy, putting you in a good mood, laughing and telling jokes.”
“He’s an all-around good guy. He’s awesome. There aren’t any words to describe him other than awesome.”
“He gives all of his heart,” said Sam Horn, who served as team captain with Culp last season.
“I wish more kids on this team were like Riley,” he said. “He’s at practice every day. He never goofs off. He swims the whole time and shows great character.”
In track, Hornet captains were tasked with selecting someone who stuck out to them as a hard worker and team player for the Captains Award. That was Scott.
“He is such an inspiration,” EHS track coach Janelle Murrell said. “Riley is a person who is committed and dedicated. He inspires others through his actions and caring personality.”
“It’s fun. I just like practicing,” said Scott, whose speciality in the pool is freestyle and on the track is the 100-meter run, shot put and javelin.
Scott, who raced to a personal-best in the 100-yard freestyle in February’s subdistrict swim meet, said he participates because he feels he can help the team.
“It makes me happy and proud,” he said.
Scott swam a leg of one of the Hornets’ 200 freestyle relay Thursday against Peninsula. The relay finished sixth. He also raced in two junior varsity freestyle heats and paced the pool deck as cheerleader for those heats he was not racing.
