Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Lita Cammon, HHS Swimming

Havre senior Lita Cammon gets to share state swimming championship with her mom

There are a number of things someone can do for extra-curricular activities in high school and if ever a student is unsure about what is available at Havre High, they should contact Lita Cammon, who seems to participate in just about everything.

Cammon, who is a member of the Havre High girls swim team, which just days ago captured the Class A state championship in Great Falls, is not only an athlete. She is also in marching band, pep band, choir and is active in her church. She is also an outstanding student.

But this past weekend, Cammon put her focus on the state swim meet and in doing so, she and the Blue Ponies dominated the competition. Havre finished the meet with a total of 67 points, which was 24 points clear of second-place Billings Central.

A big reason for Havre’s success this past weekend was Cammon and fellow seniors such as Aubri McCann. And while McCann racked up a number of points, Cammon was also a major contributor for the Ponies as she earned points both as an individual and as part of two relay teams.

Cammon earned her way into the consolation finals in both the 50-meter freestyle and the 100 free. She finished ninth in the 50 free after a time of 32.58, which was good enough to get her All-State honors. She also finished 11th in the 100 free with a solid time of 57.41.

Cammon, who is the daughter of Havre High head coach Jill Cammon, was also a big part of the 200 free relay and the 400 free relay, both of which placed highly for the Ponies. The 200 relay team finished seventh overall and won the consolation final, while the 400 free relay team was eighth and second in the consolation final.

And while it may seem like state swimming was a busy weekend for Lita Cammon, it was nothing new for her as she always seem to be involved in something.

“I am involved in a lot of activities,” Cammon said. “And I am also really involved with my church.”

Like on the swim team, Cammon isn’t just part of the band, she is one its key components. This past year, she was elected by her peers to be the drum major for the marching band, a leadership position that conducts the band during games and leads it during parades. And seeing that the Havre High band is probably one of the best high school bands in the country, as evidenced by its scheduled appearance in the Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. this summer, that’s an impressive accomplishment.

However, Cammon doesn’t just excel in band, she is also a gifted singer. She made the All-Northwest and All-State choirs this year and on top of that, she has a 3.9 GPA and is one B-plus away from having a 4.0.

“That B-plus drives me crazy.” Cammon said laughing.

On top of everything that she does for school, Cammon is also a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and said that once she is done with school, she will head out on a mission before attending Brigham Young University-Hawaii.

“I think that will be really exciting,” Cammon said. “I am looking forward to going to different places and experiencing different cultures.”

Cammon, who said she has been swimming for as long as she can remember, also wants to major in marine biology down the road. Yet, before Cammon moves onto her next achievement, the Havre Daily News caught up with the senior to discuss her experience at the state swim meet.

HDN: What was it like winning the state championship?

Cammon: “We have been working for several years to try and achieve the title. So it was really very rewarding for all of our girls. We have bonded really well and it’s amazing how we could come together and get rewarded for it. We respect one another and work hard together and that’s what makes it fun.”

HDN: How was it having your mom as your coach?

Cammon: “I really enjoy having my mom as a coach. I know her really well and know how she wants to do things and it’s easier for me to follow. My mom is my idol and she has inspired me to do everything. It’s pretty great having her as my coach.”

HDN: How was it getting to share that first-hand with your mom?

Cammon: “It’s pretty amazing. It’s pretty amazing no matter who is your coach.”

HDN: So how long have you been swimming?

Cammon: “I have been swimming pretty much my whole life. My mom swam in high school and so I have always been around it. I really love the water and that’s what I want to study, the ocean, especially when we still know so little about it.”

HDN: Some teams have funny traditions or rituals and the swim team had some in the past, do you guys have any current ones you would like to share?

Cammon: “We do have one funny one. All of the girls, we don’t shave our legs during the swim season and we wear leggings and things like that to try and have more resistance and do resistance training. Then, at the end of the season, before state, all the boys and girls get together and we have a party and shave all the hair off our legs, then we just kind of glide through the water.”