Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of articles by Noblesville Swim Club seniors Casey Akers and Jack Wolfred about the club’s Senior Trip to Coronado, Calif.
Last training day of the trip!! Today our group had our final day of practice, preparing to compete together and close with a bang. Our last practice was tough but we worked through it, knowing we’d endured the training to succeed in the meet. While walking back after practice, we discussed the memories and experiences we have enjoyed so far. After taking another team photo in the hotel pool, we were given the choice to go to either the USS Midway or the San Diego Zoo.
I, Casey, chose to go to the San Diego Zoo.
I, Jack, chose to go to the USS Midway.
On the USS Midway, we toured the ship’s 18 decks, the many models of planes, and weapons that were used since it’s christening in 1945. The ship was named after the battle of Midway, which was a key turning point during World War II. Since then, it’s been used in the Vietnam War and other Middle Eastern conflicts. It was commissioned to be the largest ship in the world, and is still quite substantial in size today. I enjoyed touring the historical ship with my teammates.
At the San Diego Zoo, where the rest of the team decided to go, we saw many unique animals and items we had never seen before. Most of the team split into groups to explore different parts of the gigantic Zoo. Starting at the Sky rail, my group viewed the park from above and observed all the different attractions on our way to see the polar bears. We worked our way from the back of the Zoo, toward the front (only stopping for lunch and ice cream). My favorite animal to see was the orangutan; there was a baby orangutan that danced around with a burlap sack. Being with friends while seeing a famous part of California has made this trip more than worth it.
SOLIDARITY was our last word today, showing us that a team works better together. As a group working toward one common goal, no one is more important than any other. We look forward to bringing our best to the meet this weekend, showing what we can do together as a team. Wearing our matching shirts while remembering the words we discussed as a group will continue to unite us.
TOMORROW: The first day of the meet.