The boys swim season, which started up in mid November, is finally coming to an end. This year’s team was smaller in numbers making it more difficult to explain the progress of the team as a whole. However, growth has certainly been made overall.
“I was just hoping we’d get some new swimmers, and that we could continue to develop and grow in size and as a team,” head coach Nikki Schneider explained. “My goal each year has been to continue to help each individual grow not only in the water, but giving them tools that will help them in life.”
Because of this smaller group, not only has coaching been even more personalized and specific, but the team dynamic certainly is a reflection of the closer-knit team. “We’ve got a good mix of newer swimmers and more experienced ones, and then the younger people can get more experience and learn from the others,” senior Joshua Quackenboss said.
Michael Bartoli, another returning senior, also emphasized the change to a smaller team this season but has enjoyed seeing the team come together at meets and practices.
Throughout the season came many highs and lows. Even when struggling to place at meets due to their low numbers, the team has continued making personal progress every single day. “We set team goals, but each individual is ultimately competing against themselves and their own times,” Schneider said. “We perform the way we practice…so we make sure to practice well, and focus – and then transfer that into our competitions.”
For seniors, this season was a last chance for not only pushing themselves but taking on that larger leadership role as well. “It’s a lot of trying to make sure everyone’s doing the right thing, keeping morale up…helping them improve,” Joshua said.
Along with improvements, there was one moment from the season that stood out to the seniors on the team. “We have a swimmer named Cam Duehring … and he swam the most events he’s ever swam, a relay and then two individuals, and he did really good, so that was really fun to see,” Michael said.
Schneider agreed, commenting with enthusiasm on the characters of her swimmers, seniors specifically. “The leadership, the compassion, the empathy, the sportsmanship, the responsibility. Each one makes an impact and leaves a lasting memory, not only on me, but on each of their teammates along the way.”
As Michael finishes up his final season with Fondy Swim, he’s excited to see how far the team will go with conference and sectionals and has high hopes for the team after he graduates. “For people who are thinking about swim, it’s a pretty big commitment but a lot of payoff,” he said.
