By Katie Nelson
LGHS Swim and Dive teams continue to find success in league competition as they enter the second half of the regular season.
Swimming had their first home meets against Lynbrook on Mar. 7, with the girls’ swim teams finding victory. The following week, both the girls’ and boys’ teams won the meet against Saratoga on Mar. 14, with lots of personal records and CCS cuts. The team continues to exhibit exceptional spirit by cheering on teammates during races and collectively doing a pre-meet chant. Junior Brooke Cannan described, “We have lots of traditions and things to keep us all motivated. Our captains and everyone cheer each other on during practices and meets so it’s definitely a community.”
On Mar. 21, the swim and dive teams hosted their final home meet of the season,celebrating the seniors and their accomplishments this year. With a total of twenty seniors, there were a lot of individuals to celebrate. Non-seniors spent time after practice making each senior a poster and preparing senior night speeches, which teammates read during a break in the middle of the meet. Junior Marina Jackson enjoyed hearing the senior speeches: “I get to learn a little bit more about other seniors and how they are as a person.” Jackson was one of a few juniors assigned to help organize and run senior night. She added,“It was stressful, but it all worked out perfectly. I also loved creating the posters; I was able to bond with some of my teammates I don’t usually talk to and we all listened to music and decorated! This year was definitely one of my favorite and saddest senior nights since I’m friends with a lot of people graduating, but I know they’ll do great wherever they go.”
The dive team has also asserted dominance in the league. Within the season, the team has grown in size, adding four additional members since the start of the season. With both veteran and brand-new divers, the team is constantly building and improving. The captains, senior Aanya Singh and junior Nelson Kramer, serve as mentors and role models for their teammates. Junior Ellie Murnin came in first for varsity girls’ in their meet against Palo Alto.
In their by week, both teams will host the annual Orange Black Grey meet, which also serves as a fundraiser. Three teams, each made up of either coaches and alumni or current swimmers, will compete in a day of fun competition on Saturday, Apr. 19. The following week, league trials and finals will commence, where swimmers get to put their final efforts into their races in an attempt to clinch a spot on the league podium and move onto CCS.