The Shenendehowa Swim and Dive team took on one of their biggest rivals, Bethlehem Central Schools, in a dual meet, Wednesday, Sept. 27 at the Shen Aquatic Center. The team also celebrated teachers that had an impact in the seniors’ lives during the meet.
Although few students come to support the swimmers and divers during their competitions, the air in the aquatic center was filled with exhilaration. The team and spectators cheer so loud during races that you can’t hear your own voice. Swimmers jump up and down clapping and leaning over the edge of the pool to motion to the swimmers racing.
In the 50 meter freestyle Shen took top three, with seniors Isabella Gayle, and Sophia McCoy, taking the top two spots. “I’ve been swimming since I was eight years old,” said Gayle, captain of the Shenendehowa varsity swim team. Being on a team has been beneficial to her, as she has, “learned the values of patience and hard work,” she said.
During the diving events, Dennis Hogan, coach of the diving team said Morgan Davey and Carly Rusnak are the top divers, and compete at every meet. Along with Morgan and Carly, Mckenna Michaels and Evelyn Viera competed Wednesday as well.
Unlike swimming, during diving the pool needs to be silent. It gets so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The sound of the board, and the splash of the water as they perform the dive add to the anticipation. This part of the meet is quick and organized. The diver completes their dive, the three judges quickly raise a score up 1-10, and then the next diver steps up to the board. In the end, Morgan Davey won and Carly Rusnak placed third.
After diving, the second part of swim begins, and immediately the cheerful atmosphere kicks back in.
Alyssa DiFabio, head coach of the swim team said, “My main approach is first and foremost for athletes to have fun. I want them to enjoy their experience here, and if they can get some fast races that’s awesome, but it’s all about team atmosphere, team bonding, and having fun.”
To wrap up the meet, all of the athletes shake hands with the opposing teams, and perform a finishing team cheer. Shen won the meet, with a score of 105-51.