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An AHS swim team tradition took place in The early hours of January 15. This event, nicknamed ‘Rude Awakening,’ is when swim team upperclassmen split up into groups and drive to the houses of new swim team members to wake them up. After they surprise their teammates with a noisy wake-up call, they dress their group up in crazy outfits and take them out to a team breakfast.
Most of the freshman had no idea what Rude Awakening even was before it happened to them. Because the team trys to keep in a secret. But word got out and freshman Sarah Bergen says, “We kinda had the feeling it was coming, but we didn’t know exactly when it was going to be.”
When asked if they were embarrased about their outfits, Bergen replys, “It’s only kind of embarrasing in classes where there aren’t any other freshman swimmers, because you have to explain your outfit to everyone.” She laughed and said, “The juniors had me stand up and tell people how much I love them.”
Freshman Betsey Kruse says, “They came into my room, blasting [TiK ToK by KE$HA] and poured cold water all over my face to wake me up.” Kruse’s seniors dressed her up in an outfit consisting of a mistletoe headband, purple tights, pigtails, a homemade t-shirt, a face tattoo and mismatched socks. Kruse knew Rude Awakening was coming but says, “I have to explain my outfit to people who don’t know about Rude Awakening, so it’s kind of embarassing. But it’s actually really fun.”
One swimmer wore footy pajamas and nightvision goggles, while others had all-out decorated shirts and mismatched shoes. Enjoying her outfit, freshman Ashley Whittle says, “They just kinda came in my room and screamed really loud to wake up. Then they told me I only had like five minutes to get ready.” No make up, and just enough time to brush your teeth, the freshman got dressed up in costume and headed off to school.
Tonight the Atoms Swim Team takes on Lee High School, in an effort to win the meet with the most team spirit they’ve had all season.