A talented cross-country runner, Purdy helped lead the Wildcats to county titles from her freshman through junior years. As an 11th-grader she emerged as the team's top runner for most of the season and posted the 26th fastest time in Suffolk County at the state qualifier, good enough for third in Class B.

But through all the success running, she lived a double life, following up cross-country practice with swimming practice -- her real passion.

"Running was kind of a side thing I did for enjoyment and kind of a way to escape the pool," Purdy said.

As her senior year approached, Purdy realized something would have to give. With a goal to swim in college, she needed to shift her focus solely on the pool. She could feel the pressure from college coaches who wanted to see her reach faster times.

"I ran the whole summer and got ready for the [cross-country] season and I was like, 'I don't think I can do this,' " Purdy said. "That was hard to give it up."

Purdy knew what she was giving up: a role as team captain, the No. 1 runner and a shot at another county title.

"I felt like I was letting them down slightly," she said.

But her cross-country teammates wouldn't allow her to feel guilty. Many of Shoreham's cross-country runners over the years have played lacrosse as their main sport. Certain sacrifices have to be made for an athlete to excel at her top sport. Her friends understood.

With cross-country behind her, Purdy earned her first opportunity to compete at the swimming county championship Saturday at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood. In the past, cross-country never allowed her the chance to compete in the swimming meet.

She made the most of her first opportunity.

As the top seed in the 100 fly, she swam 58.09 seconds for first place. In the 200 IM she placed second in 2:09.75 to earn a trip in two events to this weekend's state championship in Rochester.

"In the past two years I haven't gotten into my strong swimming season until late December," she said. "So this year I'm more on top of the game."

It was also the first time Purdy could don the SWR cap while swimming. As Shoreham's only independent swimmer, Purdy trains at Three Village Swim Club -- where other local standouts such as Julia Smit and Tom Luchsinger got their start. In the past she always wore a Three Village cap.

At Saturday's meet Purdy dropped three seconds in her 200 IM time and her butterfly time was nearly exactly what she had been swimming. And she swam the times without the aid of the faster bodysuit that she had previously worn to get those times.

Purdy wore the Speedo FSII suit, which is the regular female racer suit.

At the state meet Purdy will face stiff competition, including several girls from Section 1 in the 100 fly.

"I'm looking forward to the competition," she said. "Hopefully I'll be making some new best times."

The state meet will hardly mark the end of swimming season for Purdy, who trains practically year round. She also puts her swimming skills to use as an ocean lifeguard in the summer, where she competes in international competitions that have taken her to Japan.

To help prepare for the lifeguarding season Purdy said she may run spring track.

"I still love running," she said.

By that time she'll have narrowed down her college choice, which will allow her more freedom. She said she's currently looking to swim for either Villanova, Georgetown or Bucknell.

"I'm definitely swimming," she said. "Can't give it up after 13 years."

joew@northshoresun.com

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