The coach blows his whistle in intervals as the strong shouldered swimmers spring off the blocks. One by one, they practice their starts, making sure they react quickly and hit the water in an efficient way. Their 200 medley relay and a handful of individual swimmers qualified for state championships and they are doing their best to make sure they swim their fastest. For some, it’s something they enjoy going to every year, while for others, it’s a riveting experience they are yet to discover.

“I’m not really nervous about it, I’m more excited because going to state is always really fun,” sophomore Kristen Whitaker said. “I’m more nervous of getting into the state meet. Once you’re there its whatever because you got past the difficult part, but you still have to work hard.”

Senior David Arredondo has been working for this moment for a long time and knows that his efforts are worth it.

“Right now we are doing kind of a hard training,” David said. “ We build up our strength and endurance about two weeks ahead. Then the last couple days we do what is called tapering which is when we take it easy so you can be fresh for the meet.”

Not only are the swimmers feeling confident about doing their best at the meet, but their coach has faith in them also. Coach Dan Snow has been doing all that he can to make sure that the swimmers are at their peak of their performance.

“Well, at state level there are a lot of teams that are really good,” Coach Snow said. “At state level it’s our top swimmers against their top swimmers. If it were one on one with each individual team, we’d probably be sixth in the state. But the way it works out is not a good indication of how strong our team is.”

Some tips that Kristen gives to other swimmers is to give forth all effort, lots of dedication but stay grounded with your loved ones.

“Keeping a positive attitude, and training as hard as you can when you get the chance will make a difference,” Kristen said. “You’re just wasting your time if you don’t. And stay close with your friends because they will support you and you can always push each other to go faster.”

Stress and anxiety can also build up around these crucial times. Swimmers need to find ways to stay focused and concentrated, so they can race their best.

“I work well under pressure, I mean I don’t always enjoy it but I do tend to perform better under it,” David said.“I’m pretty good at self motivation though. Some people need the extra push but I’m okay.”

This whole season has been a learning experience for both swimmers and coaches. Swim techniques, daily life challenges, and relationship building skills have been presented to everyone so they can learn from them.

“Believe in yourselves, eating right, training hard and resting goes a long way,” Coach Dan said. “They continue to teach me patience, and I want them to remember that character counts, always.”

Swimmers and their coaches go through a lot together. And even through the hard times, Coach Dan keeps a good heart and cherishes every moment that they go through, whether it’s frustrating, or joyous.

“The success that I have in my life, is not something that is a result of my hard work,” Coach Dan said. “ It’s based purely, and solely upon the gifts that God has given me and His will to bless me with these opportunities. I also understand, more than I ever have before, that we are fortunate to be where we are and to have the chances that we have.”