EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third article in a series by Noblesville Swim Club seniors Brianna McBride and Rachel Tat about the club’s annual Senior Trip.
Rachel: Day 5 and we are now in Auburn, AL!
Brianna: Our car rides from Savannah to Auburn were filled with naps and snacking on anything we could scavenge.
Once we arrived in Auburn, we winded down in our new hotel rooms, had dinner, and relaxed in the different environment. Before bed, we had a team meeting focusing on what we were to expect for competition this weekend, and it was clear that we were more than ready.
Our goals were to be the most supportive and united team at the meet. We looked back on our core values of continuous improvement, positive support, and selfless teamwork and leadership.
And these goals were met. The meet started early this morning with warmups at 7 a.m. We walked into the beautiful Auburn University natatorium with our matching shirts and we fell in love with the pool immediately. We definitely quickly created a super positive atmosphere.
With more swimmers in a meet than we have ever experienced before, we did what we could to make a large presence in the large college natatorium. We got many looks with our matching green shirts on but that only boosted our morals. In previous meetings we talked about how if a team matched in apparel, they instantly look twice as intimidating and fast. And as nervous as we were on the inside, fast and intimidating was exactly how we felt.
Although we successfully created positive spirits, reality set it. It was difficult for many of us to adjust to competition after a very hard week of training. However, one of the things that our coach, Rich Wolfred, always reminds us is how important swimming while tired is. We must rise to the occasion and push through the pain, no matter how tired we may be.
I think that despite our tired muscles and mind, we rose to the occasion like we planned. Fast swims were swam. Personal records were broken. State cuts were made. The events included the 50 meter butterfly, 200 meter freestyle, 100 meter breaststroke, 100 meter backstroke, and the infamous 400 individual medley.
After many notable swims, the team grabbed a quick lunch and headed back to the hotel for some chill time. Many of us took naps, especially those who made it back for finals in the evening. In this meet, the top 48 in each event return to the final round, except for races 400 meters and above, where only the top 32 qualify. We sent eight swimmers tonight: Lawson Crum, Evan Diamente, Will Huff, Sammy Huff, Cameron Kramer, Caitlin Marshall, Isaac Stephan, and just barely, me.
Sadly, I missed getting into finals but every teammate and I were there from the start of the session, cheering our eight teammates on. We cheered so hard that other teams followed our lead and went behind the blocks of their teammates and cheered them on. It felt good to set a positive and cheerful example to other teams that we have never raced against before.
Despite some ripped suits and initial tired faces, we pulled through and some of us improved from this morning’s session. Honestly, I attribute our successes to the major support from the team. There is seriously no better feeling than knowing that you have a whole entire team cheering you on and having your back. Even if there were some bad swims, it was certain that the team would be able to pick you up immediately.
After the meet and after a delicious dinner, we talked about today and what was to come for the rest of the meet. We were overall happy with the meet even if it wasn’t the actual racing part. We created such a great atmosphere that there wasn’t a way not to be happy with the day. Some of us confessed in the meeting that they were more scared and intimidated that they let on, but it was good to hear each other’s fears and know their honest feelings how to encourage them for the days to come.
There are two days left of competition and it will only go up from here. There’s no holding back. Alabama better watch out because the Noblesville Swim Club only has room for improvement.
Stay tuned for more meet results!