The last home meet for the Rollins Tars Swim Team was fraught with cool temperatures and chilling winds, but that did not put a damper on the team’s spirit. The Tars swam against the Florida Southern Moccasins on Jan. 22, and though they lost 136-68, the team remained upbeat about themselves and about the season.
Because it was the Tars’ last home meet, it was also time to honor the seniors. Before they started swimming, there was a quick ceremony where each senior and their victories were recognized by the lower classmen on the team as well as those gathered in the stands. The end of the meet was bittersweet as the seniors posed in front Rollins’ pool for a few final group photos.
The swim team can be seen practicing almost every day, starting at 6 a.m. in the morning. They also have afternoon practices at 4 p.m., and if there are not any meets, then they have weekend practices as well.
The amount of hard work they do has brought the team together so that they are almost like family. Katie Gentsch ’14 only joined the team this year, but she attributes the team to helping her find her place on campus. “I’ve met a lot of great people…it’s definitely been a great thing, it’s made my time here awesome.”
Junior Mark Danielson has been on the team for three years now and has really enjoyed the season so far, “this year’s team has been great, and there’s a great dynamic.” He maintained a positive outlook about the Tars loss at the meet on Saturday, “a lot of people did really well [despite the loss].” Jenny Nilson ’13 agreed with Danielson in regards to her attitude about Saturday’s meet. “It’s still good to get out there and see what you can do, even if it’s not your best.” Though this is only her second year on the team, she feels very strongly about this season’s swimmers, “I think that there are different personalities on the team…our motivation has improved.”
There will be one more away meet for the team on Jan. 29 at St. Leo then no more meets until the Sunshine State Conference Championship in February
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