The boy’s swim team has started their season off strong with some new faces and new leadership
Friday the team swam in their first meet of the season at Franconia Rec Center. They got to showcase their new talent and were able to gauge the skill level they were at.
Senior Noah Popp, a major leadership figure in the program said, “We performed well. Compared to the last four years, I see lots of returning skills across the team and I think this season will go nicely.”
Popp is a great model for all the swimmers as he demonstrates hard work and effort. Waking early in the mornings before school he swims with his club team. Additionally, in the summer he swims for his summer pool program. This year-round work sets a high standard for what it takes to be a top member of the swim team and a leader.
Additionally, junior James Chilton has made a name for himself as a very well-performing swimmer at Annandale. Chilton has very high hopes for this season and feels good at how he performed this week.
“I have done well so far, I have placed well in my events and am happy with my times, I’m looking forward to districts at the end of the season.” Chilton said.
Now that the first meet has concluded, the freshmen have had a taste of what it’s like to be on the team.
Freshman Nolan Uzokoff decided to join the swim team and race in his first meet on Friday. Uzokoff said, “I think I did well for Annandale, but I am not that great as an overall swimmer. I bring lots of third places which is good for points and winning meets.”
Uzokoff knows the reputation of the Annandale swim team and knows how to bring his A-game to the meets. Uzokoff said, “I’ve heard about their accomplishments before I swam for Annandale and they are nothing short of very impressive plus I have seen them race and never seen some get any less than first place.”
Saturday concluded the team’s second meet at Oakmont Rec Center for their final meet of the week.
The boys had a quick turnaround in their schedule and hit the water the day after their first meet. This underscored the intensity the swim team endures.
One area of work the team recognized at these two meets was the lack of cheer and environment from teammates.
“I think we could cheer each other on more during our races, and also put more effort into our themes,” Chilton said.
The overall team bond is good, however, Chilton suggests a larger emphasis on ways the team could better obtain chemistry and push each other.
Now looking further down the road, States is a very well known place for the boys swim team as they have had swimmers constantly make it each year.
Popp along with Chilton both made it into states last year in their event. Their eyes are on the same goal this season along with trying to set another record.
Popp said, “I would love to see our team break records and I want to be a part of that too. I think we have the talent for it and I am optimistic for our run past the regular swim season.”
He also mentioned the bright future of the team. “I also like how the new swimmers have performed and I love seeing new people try out the sport, we will certainly be competitive down the line”, Popp added.
There is great competition within the team and that is felt by the newcomers.
Based on Uzokoff’s first impressions of the team he said, “I definitely expect most of the upperclassmen to make states this year.”
The upperclassmen have a great reputation and look to expand on it further this season. Leaders like Chilton and Popp both give inspiration to new members like Uzokoff. This leadership and reputation has brought great success to the team in the past and will continue to do so this season. As the season progresses the bond will strengthen which will provide a better team climate for the swimmers to thrive in.
Overall there is lots to unfold for the Atoms this winter and the team looks to keep improving and to maintain their dominance.
From new faces to returning stars, the team has a very solid road ahead of them.
Be sure to check the @atomsswimdive instagram for their schedule dates and go cheer on the Atoms boys swim team!