Decorations, parents and team cheers filled Mount Vernon RECenter on Jan. 20 as the swim and dive team prepared for its final meet of the regular season. Not only was it the last meet, but it was also Senior Night. Bouquets of balloons, roses and hand-painted banners filled the pool area. Volunteers handed out red and white roses to seniors, parents and coaches. AHS also received a makeover with streamers and banners earlier that morning.

Senior athletes were escorted by family members down the aisle. A commentator read out their goals, future plans, years of participation and other personal information.

“I am very happy. This is not the end of their swimming. It is a lifetime sport, and even though they do not have the team, they can still swim,” Barbara Foster, parent of senior Alli Foster, said.

The meet itself began at 7 p.m. When the ceremony ended, athletes began warming up alongside the opposing team, the T.C. William Titans. Warm-ups continued for 20 minutes until the teams began their pep talks and cheers.

Then the meet began and the swimmers took off. The room was soon filled with the sounds of cheers and splashing water.

“Having Senior Night does help some athletes, but it also causes them to lose focus. It is a 50/50 chance. Some swam well and others swam badly,” Head Coach Neal Jarvis said.

When the meet came to a close, the athletes packed up and showered before heading for the bus or their parents. The action and rush died down as swimmers yawned and dragged themselves to the bus.

“I think Senior Night was rad; there were no hiccups and everything went pretty smoothly,” senior Andy Tran said.