The Shorewood boys swim team season kicked off on November 17th. This is following a season where many goals were accomplished, with three individual and three relay state qualifiers. With six new additions, the team is in high standings for winning conference, and ultimately aims to compete at the state level.
“Winning state [is] always a goal, but we’re shooting [to have] top five in the state,” said Jack Garcia, head coach.
This is Garcia’s second year with the boy’s team, who he has gotten to know better over the off season.
“I coach Club [Swim] so I’ve known [the team] for about two or three years now,” Garcia said. “They’re good guys and they’re a lot of fun.”
While Garcia brings energy to each practice, he also sets high expectations for his swimmers.
“He’s really fun, but he’s really serious about expectations for practice, attendance, and making it on time,” said Ethan Kim, junior and varsity swimmer.
As the early season practices transition into mid-season training, swimmers are gaining a better understanding of where they stand this season as they familiarize themselves with their competition.
“We’re in a really good position for the end season,” Kim said. “We will probably win conference this year.”
To develop their strength and skill, the team practices for over 12 hours a week; two hours every day Monday through Saturday. Some athletes also choose to participate in morning practices Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
“It’s less technique based and more strength-based,” said Liam Flanagan, freshman and varsity swimmer who has been swimming for over eight years. “Especially in high school swimming, everything’s a sprint, so [we have to] do it right [and] do it fast.”
While many of the team’s star athletes are upperclassmen, some of the newer swimmers are proving to have the skills it takes to perform against tough competition.
“Our incoming freshmen are really good,” Kim said.
At meets, swimmers compete against other teams in a variety of different strokes and events. The team competes in meets almost every weekend, keeping the team on their toes and, ultimately, keeping them motivated throughout the season.
Through the numerous hours spent learning and perfecting the craft, swimmers have been able to form countless connections.
“Everyone is always having fun,” Kim said “I know a lot of people on other teams now too. It’s always fun to talk to [members of] those other teams and hang out with them.”
Ultimately, swimming is a team sport, so the athletes must work together to secure victory during their highly competitive meets.
“Winning today, that’s tough,” Garcia said. “You need to put together a pretty good lineup. We’re [set to perform] pretty well as a team if we have all of our guys healthy at the end of the season.”
However, even when the season concludes, the commitment the athletes have shown to the team carries more significance than simply being a Shorewood swimmer; it’s a display of dedication, discipline, and passion for the sport.
“[The boys are] always representing the team regardless of if they’re in the pool or out of the season…just being good guys all around,” Garcia said.