As the sun glistened on the crystal-clear pool of water, anticipation rose through the crowd and competitors. Athletes’ muscles tensed with the readiness for the challenge ahead. In a matter of seconds, each swimmer dove into the water with a splash. The crowd and team cheered as they swam in a head-to-head freestyle race at the local Aquaplex.
This was a typical scene for Bethel’s swim team, whose season ended with regionals on February 28th after four months of weekly meets and practices. This season, almost all of the swimmers achieved a personal best time, while the men’s team managed to place 10th overall in the recent championships. Moreover, up and coming swimmers Josiah Tate and Phoebe Jones placed in their own individual categories (8th in Boys 200 Yard Free Relay and 17th in Girls 500 Free Yard respectively).
When we asked around, we learned many are not aware of the swim team’s accomplishments. Because the team is still fairly small, it does not get much social media coverage or hype.
“I haven’t really seen much about the swim team,” Nikeala Briscoe, a junior stated. “The small things that I have seen [though] looked good! Their uniforms are nice, and their performances amazing.”
For team members, the truly memorable part of the season was the experiences they gained with their peers.
“What I like most about the swim team is honestly [..] how we’re all active participants in terms of our practices[…],” Jordan Valentine, who competed in freestyle, said. “Encouraging each other, supporting each other […] even if we may come in last place; whatever the case may be, we’re still there, [and] we still have that energy.“
Most swimmers on the team had some prior knowledge of how to swim and took advantage at being able to show their skills off alongside their classmates.
“Well, I’ve been swimming for probably around 8 years, starting off with private swim lessons,” Payton Wilson, a member of the swim team, shares about why she joined and her favorite moments. “When I found out Bethel had a swim team I was like ‘Oh my gosh, that’s going to be a perfect opportunity to keep going […]. Everyone’s very cheerful. Always there to support each other even if you didn’t fully complete what was given to you.”
The team will work with each other, help another with their skills, and help them get better. When the team is not at practice or at the meets, they would go on outings and even for the ones that are busy will make sure they will try to include everybody in on the next one.
“I love swimming, but I wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t a fun environment [with] people that have turned into my friends both inside of school and outside,” Phoebe Jones, a major player who is sadly departing the team after two years to focus on band. She affectionately recalled the memories she had not only of competing but also the connections she forged with her fellow swimmers, believing she is leaving the team in good hands.
In every chat we’ve had with the members of the swim team we realize that there is nothing more unforgettable for them than the love and support they experienced during this season. As Jones put it, “The memories are the biggest thing you’re going to keep from the swim team.”
