Just keep swimming
Northview’s swim team works toward success despite pandemic hardships
Sophomore Daniel Jin swims through a season unlike any other.
Photo by Kenzie Ho, Special
Nikki Skyer, Sports Editor
Like all sports this year, Northview’s swim team faced the difficult task of working around COVID-19. The sport requires extra planning when it comes to staying safe in a pandemic-world as it is both indoors and impossible to wear a mask while competing. These athletes recognize their new challenges but have chosen to continue to work hard and stay positive throughout this unexpected time.
The swim program is seeing many new procedures and adjusting to meet county and school guidelines in order to ensure a safe season. Senior Susie Pan, a member of the team, must now recognize mask requirements, social distancing procedures, and canceled meets. Pan was already anticipating change this season, stepping into a leadership role and working toward her final high school meets. As the season drew closer, however, she quickly realized that many of the memories she would make would look much different than she had imagined over the past three years.
“In past years we would celebrate after meets with a team lunch or dinner, which obviously has not happened this year,” Pan said. “A lot of the bonding that usually takes place has not been able to happen, which is hard for everybody, especially seniors and freshmen.”
Despite limitations from COVID-19 restrictions, Pan smiles after she finishes her race.
Photo by Kenzie Ho, Special
For new high school swimmers, like freshman William Gavin, this season is much different than anticipated. Gavin was swimming competitively since he was six and developed a love for the sport and all of the work that comes with it. The pandemic forced him to resort to other methods of staying fit, such as running and biking. Gavin was eager to get back in the water following the closing of pools at the beginning of the pandemic, but he is still hesitant about safety. He appreciates the precautions taken and does not let them prevent him from having the freshman season he always looked forward to. Gavin is experiencing a successful first season and cannot wait to continue his high school swim career, regardless of the effects of COVID-19.
“I wish we were able to have more meets, but I had a really fun experience and am definitely planning to swim for Northview next year. We have a great group of freshman swimmers and I am excited to continue swimming with them,” Gavin said.
While the team continues pushing past COVID-19 related issues, certain swimmers made the decision to avoid the risks altogether. Senior Brie Valentino joined the Northview swim program as a junior; although she had a fun season, she opted out this year. The choice was initially made by her parents, but Valentino agreed that the danger posed by participating was too great. Coaches and teammates are sad with this result for some swimmers, but definitely recognize and respect the reasoning behind this option.
“I knew it was a smart decision since the swim team is indoors and in the water with other people. My friends were upset that I could not swim with them, but they understood why,” Valentino said.
Nobody could have predicted the unfamiliar and frustrating aspects of this year. Despite the uncertainty of the season, Northview swim has shown impressive determination that ultimately led them to success and something to be proud of. Coach Stephanie Rogman notices the perseverance and is more than satisfied with the actions and attitude of her team. The Northview swim program has a bright future ahead and has shown that nothing can stand in the way of accomplishing their goals.
