Photo submitted

GRC swimmers at the region meet.

In the world of athletics, swimming is like no other. Diving into the cool water, holding your breath as long as possible, challenging yourself to go new lengths while progressively gaining speed.

This is the life of GRC swimmers as they prepare for their rigorous competition season. 

 The swimmers have entered their region competition, which will determine if they qualify for the semi-state meet, which eventually leads to the state championship.

The GRC swim team his filled with top-level swimmers, many of which have held their own in the face of top competitors. 

Swimming is a combination of many different qualities, far beyond what you might expect. In order to prepare for meets, the team has worked tirelessly to perform as well as possible.

“Region is what we have trained all season for,” says Coach Ashleigh Richardson. “From perfecting starts, turns, and finishes to working on speed. This season we were able to compete against a lot of teams that we will see at regionals, so we are prepared for the tough competition.”

With the hard work and dedication established in practices, comes a bond between the swimmers. The sport is known to be mostly individual, with each member competing in their own races and events.

However the GRC team has found a way to present themselves as one whole unit, taking down the competition.

“When looking at swimming, it is viewed as an individual sport,” Richardson says. “You can’t sub somebody in halfway through a race or have a timeout when you get tired and can’t catch your breath. It is all up to the individual to finish that race and touch the wall to get a time. The team aspect of that individual race is each individual has the ability to score points for the team as a whole.”

It’s that team aspect that pushes each and every swimmer to finish their races and go faster then ever before.

“Our swim team has grown and thrived over the past few years,” said junior Libby Taylor. “Our team has grow in number and skill over the past couple of years and getting to see everyone around you thrive in and out of the pool has always been one of my favorite parts of the GRC team.”

Many of the GRC Swim Team members are also committed to year round club teams. This has just raised the level of performance for the team as a whole.

Swimming on club teams requires practices six days a week, sometimes with two additional meets a week. The sheer dedication this sport requires is admirable of all who participate. 

Swim team is both impactful to its members physically and socially, through the endless hours of practices teammates have formed connections that challenge them to push themselves even harder.

“My favorite part about swimming is how good it is for you,” says Senior Emily Warner. “It’s a great way to stay healthy and to stay in shape. I also enjoy having fun with my teammates during practice.” 

Despite the extensive practice schedule, these swimmers have found a way to excel both educationally and academically.

“We will give hours of our week to the sport and balancing this with school and exams can get tricky sometimes,” Taylor says. “Over the years, however, you get enough practice of balancing your social life, school life, and sports life to be able to put the sport 1st while still thriving academically.”

The GRC team is expecting to have multiple members place in the first round and race in the regional finals tomorrow, and hopefully continue their journey into the state championship pools.

Through different strokes, relays, and individual races, the GRC swimmers are expected to take the lead and represent our school with distinction and excellence.

“Each swimmer wears a swim cap with GRC on it,” Coach Richardson says. “They aren’t just swimming for themselves; they are swimming for GRC, too.”