On Jan. 25, the Issaquah Boys’ Swim and Dive (Swive) team went head-to-head with Skyline at Julius Boehm pool, Skyline winning 110 to 72. Despite this being an away meet for Issaquah, both Skyline and Issaquah share the same practice space, hence the use of Boehms for an away meet.
The meet began with warm-ups, with each team assigned lanes to prepare for their upcoming stroke. Each swimmer had a slightly different warm-up, modifying the “choice” portions of their warm-up structure to fit their scheduled event better. After some time, the swimmers transitioned to practicing dives, turns, and starts–all crucial to gaining a fast time.
The meet started off with diving. wimmers lined up on the sides of the pool to cheer them on. After the diving portion of the meet concluded, the swimmers began to find their teams for the first swim event of the meet: 200 individual medley relay. The meet both started and ended with relays, individual events dispersed between. After one of these events, the 50 free, there was a pause in the competition for senior recognition. First, Skyline’s seniors were recognized, golden paper crows atop their head as they stood on diving blocks to receive signed posters of their names. Issaquah went soon after, flowers and posters in hand as they stood privy to raucous applause.
This annual tradition highlights the bonds and camaraderie that hold the team together. Sophomore Jeremy Lou states that his favorite part of Swive is “getting to hang out with [his] friends.” Despite swimming’s nature as an individual sport, swim teams are cohesive and effective because of the synergy of the swimmers.
After this recognition, the meet returned to swimming, with an announcement about a reception for senior night after the competition’s conclusion. Each athlete performed to the best of their ability, working to reach their individual goals within the sport. For example, Lou states that his goal is to “qualify for districts.” Similarly, junior Aiden Stauffer states that he is looking forward to “State, because the team should place pretty well.” Throughout the season, the athletes have seen great progress, Stauffer sharing that his “turns have improved.”
Coach Laura Halter provides an overview of the season, stating that “it’s been a great season so far. We’ve lost one meet and won five, and for the first time in 23 years, we beat Mercer Island. We’re looking forward to compete against Newport and Skyline at KingCo, districts, and State.” This season has marked vast growth within the team, which will continue through the rest of the season. Good luck Eagles!
