The swim team competed this Tuesday on Oct. 25, against Allen, Ursuline and Jesuit at the Allen Tri-Meet. Neither the boys or girls won against a team, with the girls losing against Allen and tying Ursuline and the boys losing to both Allen and Jesuit.
“Senior night meant we got to recognize the seniors for their four years of contribution to the team,” senior team captain Grant Hu said. “I personally could not be more proud of [the seniors], and they have been my closest friends on the team. The senior recognition is very special because each senior’s family was there to support them as they celebrated their last year on the team.”
All the seniors were honored for their commitment to the team with a brief intermission during the meet where every senior was individually called and cheered for by their parents and friends. The tri-meet was the last local meet for the seniors.
“When we practice and fix technique, we are expected to apply it to more difficult practices afterward,” senior captain Devon Karras said. “The more consistently they apply it, the better they will get. The goal is for the modification to become muscle memory.”
Team captains Hu, Karras, Stall and senior Sam Reagan are both competing and leading in the pool. They work closely with each other and their coach to make the team as successful as possible. Whether it’s cheering poolside or giving personal critiques, team captains encourage their teammates.
“Being team captain is a huge role that I take on with vigor and passion,” Hu said. “By being captain, I have to be the best example I can while also directing the team towards success. When I wasn’t captain, I was a swimmer who scored points for the team, but now I have to score points as well as help my teammates score points by supporting them. Cheering is a significant part of my job and our team spirit makes us formidable on the pool deck.”
Swim has several more meets through the new year, including regionals and state, meaning they have many more opportunities to improve their craft and score more points during their personal events. Swimmers can work with their team captains along with their coach, Matthew Bolinger, to learn and grow as a swimmer.
“Being a captain gives you the opportunity to work alongside amazing leaders and get to help lead incredible athletes,” senior captain Julia Stall said. “It changes my role on the team because I now have to demand that kind of respect from people who have been my closest friends for years.”
