Swimming December 9-13

SWIM

Breathless, the swim and dive team screeched to Smith Pool on Dec. 5 a little behind

schedule to take on their Charlottesville competitors. The FCHS athletes, who arrived just 20

minutes before the meet, ran (okay, swam) on adrenaline the whole night and managed to clock

in some impressive times for the beginning of the season. Because it was the start of the year, it

was unusual for the team to venture away from its home pool for the season’s first swims.

“Having an away meet this time was great for team bonding. On the bus ride and during

dinner, we got to spend much more time with each other than we would have if we were home,”

said junior Lauren Cabrera. Cabrera was also impressed with the talent of the newcomers.

“We have phenomenal freshmen like Fefe Nardone and Anna Hurdle,” said Cabrera. Nardone

is known to be a powerhouse swimmer, and Hurdle, also a strong athlete, has taken on both

swimming and diving for the team. The efforts of the upperclassmen “newbies” have been

remarkable as well. “I’m really proud of the new guys for how far they’ve come,” said senior

Alyssa McIver. “They’ve improved so much already.”

Although both the girls’ and boys’ teams did finish slightly behind Charlottesville, many

athletes remained lighthearted. “Overall, I think it was a good meet. Only one girl forgot her suit

at the pool,” laughed senior Grace Hubbard. The swim and dive team’s next meet will be Dec. 18

at FUMA. Due to winter weather, the relay meet that was planned for Dec. 12 is rescheduled for

Jan. 15.