The humid air. The smell of chlorine lingering around. The sound of the officials starting off the races followed by eight elite athletes leaving everything that they have in the pool to hopefully swim a personal best time. Swim season for the Aquakats is in full effect, and they don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

The Aquakats had their first swim meet in Huntsville last Thursday, Aug. 25. This gave the team a baseline to improve and set goals on for the rest of the season.

“I want to keep setting more team records,” senior Brooks Cesan said. “As far as personal records, everybody always wants to get better at everything they can.”

Lettering in an event is a big accomplishment for swimmers, they receive a swimmer logo on their sports letterman jacket to display their achievements in the program.

“My main goal is to letter in the 500, 50, and the 100 yard freestyle.” junior Addison Lyons said.

This year’s seniors are taking the opportunity with their last high school season to leave the program better than they found it. Leaving a legacy gives something to the underclassmen to look up to and keep the tradition going.

“I would say setting an example is a big part of it because a lot of the newer swimmers don’t know what it’s like to compete at the high school level.” senior Peyton Sewell said.

Leading by example in the lanes is important, but leading by example in the classroom is another big step to leaving a good impression for younger student-athletes.

“Some of the younger swimmers have never swam competitively before, so it is important to show them techniques and other ways to improve.” junior swim captain Keddie Ramsden said. “But it also comes to leading in the classroom and respect towards their teachers and coaches in their everyday life, it’s basically like being an older sibling towards them.”