BY SAM PRADO ROBERTS
As the swimming team returns to the pool after losing key seniors, the group looks to develop a new team, build camaraderie, and work on their strokes.
The boys team lost five seniors but still intends to exemplify their improvements. “This season, I have high hopes for our team,” said Mohamed Elmokadem, who earned first place finishes in six races last year. “I am confident that our swimmers will perform even better than they did last year.”
The girls team lost only one senior, so the girls will look to take advantage of their experience. “There’s more upperclassmen, so hopefully we’re going to perform better at meets this season,” said Kerri Domena.
“[We prepared for the meets with] practice daily with multiple miles of laps, and, believe it or not, swimming is 90% mental, so we talk a lot about preparing,” said Luke Babst. The swimmers prepare for the season by swimming on club teams like the local Old Bridge Family YMCA.
Before tryouts, the team members attended a meeting to speak about season expectations and their schedule. “I am hoping this season will bring more wins with a more competitive team in the GMC as we have more swimmers this year,” said Madelyn Hopkins, who earned first place finishes in seven races last year.
The swimmers believe they will overcome the shortage of swimmers. “I am confident the amount of swimmers we have will not have an effect on us,” said Elmokadem. “We have always had a small amount of people and we always did our best.”
Students can support the team’s first home meet on Friday, September 13 at the Old Bridge Family YMCA.
Posted on 12/10/24
Photos by Caitlin Laflower
Knight Life 