The boys swimmers went undefeated in the regular season, winning both CVC and Valley titles as well as the sprint invitational on Feb. 4.

Sophomore Kevin Zhang, freshmen Colin Elwell and Derek Fan and seniors Evan Warner and Owen Shook qualified for the state tournament. 

The team advanced to the finals at Canton on Feb. 24 in the 200 medley relay, 200 free relay and 50 free events. 

Zhang felt that the team was successful. 

“Everyone made it to finals and swam really well,” he said. “Evan Warner broke his own school record in the 50 free and medaled.”

Senior Evan Warner ended his high school career on the medal stand, having placed 7th in Ohio in the 50-meter freestyle and also breaking the school record. 

The team gained two new assistant coaches this year, Dali Dong and Cory Hersch, and benefited from last year’s pool renovations, which that Warner and Shook believe contributed to their success. 

Shook also believes that having trust in the coach helps with growth.

“They push us,” he said. “They’re doing what they think will make us the best swimmers we can be.” 

Alongside the coach’s encouragement, both swimmers agree that motivation, rigorous practices, and repetition allows for improvement from meet to meet. Being committed and prepared for competitions yields better results as well.

“It’s year-round, so it’s hard,” Warner said. “You always have to look ahead. It’s hard to swim in March [and] stay focused on some of your goals when they’re so far away.” 

The grueling practices can be tough.

“It’s so hard on your body but it definitely builds character,” Shook said. “Being able to get up and go to these practices even when it’s early in the morning has been super important.”

At the same time though, the swimmers agree that the practices result in team bonding. Other traditions and camaraderie allows them to enjoy the sport while celebrating their accomplishments.

“We all bleached our hair our freshman year,” Warner said. “We all went over to Grady Bystrom’s house and it was funny because nobody knew what they were doing.