Dream Builders is a show on MyArlingtonTV that highlights the ways our community is helping kids dream big, nurture their creativity, polish their skills and develop the tools they need to achieve their American Dream as young adults.
The latest Dream Builders episode focuses on student-athlete Gerald Hodges and the true underdog success story of this year's swim team at Seguin High School in Arlington.
When Head Coach Alex Weidemann took the job six years ago, the team only had four swimmers. Weidemann began recruiting students to tryout for the team, including Gerald Hodges.
At his freshman tryout, Hodges nearly drowned. He had never attempted to swim before joining the team. However, as a senior, Hodges helped his 200 medley relay team secure a second place finish and a spot in the state championships, the first team to qualify in school history. His determination to get better is an inspiration for his teammates and his head coach.
"He just kept inching ahead. That was the story of Gerald. Not a leap, but an inch, an inch, an inch and now we look back and we got a foot ahead," Weidemann said. "It was the greatest race in school history, in my opinion."
Gerald Hodges is now considering swimming at the next level in college and dreams of one day becoming a math teacher. He also plays the cello in the Seguin orchestra.
"Swimming is a dream because it's something I didn't think I could do," Hodges said. "I think swimming has taught me how to persevere and how it's always possible to reach your goals if you set out to achieve them."
The City's Office of Communication develops programming for MyArlingtonTV. Viewers can find MyArlingtonTV programs on the following cable systems: Spectrum Channel 16 and AT&T U-Verse channel 99, and streaming capabilities at www.arlington-tx.gov.
All episodes of Dream Builders are also available on the City's YouTube channel, Facebook page and Twitter account.
MyArlingtonTV Links:
Arlington ISD, Dream Builders, Support Quality Education
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