The heat of the moment had consumed every person on deck and in the stands.
The tension could be felt in every swimmer’s muscles when they step up on the blocks.
Every time the whistle blew, a brief silence seemed to echo through the natatorium. When they dove off, the cheers erupted, appearing to shake the whole building.
The ecstatic energy could be felt deep in the bones of everyone there.
This was the Cap-6 Conference Championship.
On Saturday, Jan. 25, the Cardinal Gibbons swim team made their way to the Triangle Aquatic Center for what would be the majority of their swimmers’ most prominent meet.
Before the meet, all 25 senior swimmers were recognized for their hard work and dedication.
This recognition fueled the start of the vibrancy for the day.
“I think when the seniors run through the hand tunnel, everyone starts to get fired up that day,” said junior Ainsley Hernandez. “It’s just a feeling that cannot be replicated on any team besides this one.”
The first event always starts with a team relay.
The Cardinal Gibbons coalition gathers between the lanes of their peers, their hands above their heads and fingers waving back and forth. The second the swimmers hit the water, their hands swung down, and you could feel the “woosh” in your body.
“It’s not about the time on the clock, but about the people standing behind your lane cheering their hearts out for you,” said senior Emma Carmouche, leadership council member, and George Washington lacrosse commit.
The liveliness of the group is unmatched by that of every other team in the conference.
“The swim team is energetic, and the swim meets are always entertaining and exciting. It just feels like a family,” said freshman Libby Behrens.
Four hours of hard work throughout the day had finally paid off. The girls’ and boys’ teams took the wins home with them. The girls scored a total of 416 points, and the boys scored 443.
“It’s just kind of like that last chance to swim your heart out. And I think it’s wonderful because our whole team kind of comes together, and it’s just full of love and support,” said Carmouche.
The competitive atmosphere creates a place of speed and contest that is multiplied by the companionship of the team.
Junior Tommy Tuescher took this competition to the next level.
Tuescher broke a 20-year school record in the 100 fly, an astonishing 49.80. The previous record was set in 2005 by Kyle Kluba.
“Watching Tommy swim that race was extremely inspiring to me because it made me realize that I truly can do anything,” said junior Tyler Guy.
The Cap-6 Conference allows individuals to find their place in this support with unconditional support from their team.
“I’ll leave you with this: love the team, love the sport, and love each other because when the race is over, it’s not about the medals or records. It’s about the moments that we share together,” said Carmouche.
