The past three years for our swim and dive team have been remarkably successful: new school records, the first Catholic League win in over fifty years, and placing top 3 at states three years in a row. Their presence on every pool deck has been the strongest ever, but is their effort and determination recognized by their classmates?
Since the end of the Covid experience, the team has built a new reputation and has formed a modern legacy. A cub swimmer’s day begins before sunrise at 5:00 am and ends in darkness around 10:00 pm. Each week the team has two morning swim practices at and two morning lifts at hat each last an hour, and every day after school there is a two-hour swim practice. The morning swim practices are usually recovery and preparation for the afternoon, while the lifts aim to increase strength and explosiveness.
During every enduring practice, each swimmer faces a different mental and physical battle. The boys swim around two to three miles a day with sets consisting of short rest, sprints, specific paces, and “everything you got left.” A good teammate who holds himself and his peers accountable will swim the sets correctly and push themselves, but to pass that mental barrier it requires external influence. Some swimmers need motivation from others, their coach, or an internal voice. At practice, one will witness frequent encouragement within each lane. Swimmers pass around fists bumps, punches, and energizing words or phrases. In season, there are three key observations one can make about our swimmers: they are forever exhausted, continuously eating, and the only conversation they hold is a reflection or complaint about their strenuous practices. Evan Tack, a junior on the team, explained his thoughts on the process, “The mental and physical fatigue is absolutely worth it. Although it is a very exhausting sport, it teaches you lifelong lessons and sets you up for the future.”
The team has excelled in numerous dual meets, reclaimed the Catholic Leagues after 55 years, and has consistently moved closer to a state title. Their current record and performance can be compared with U of D’s football, basketball, and track teams, though it is noted that on social media our swim team does not get promoted to the same extent, nor is there ever a student section. After the 2022 season, the team graduated three seniors that swim at SMU, Boston College, and the University of Louisville. Additionally, the class of 2025 boasts an impressive group of individuals. According to Swimcloud, Tack currently holds the 2nd rank in the state, followed by Patrick MacKillop at 7th, and Matt Garza at 30th. That brings the question, is the team’s work ethic and success in the pool noted by their fellow classmates?
I conducted a poll in Mrs. Cooper’s journalism class that reported four students believe the swim team receives enough attention at the high, while nine believe the team does not. One would assume that by possessing the record they have, graduating multiple D1 swimmers, as well as training future ones, our team would attract ample student attention. Tack commented on this topic and expressed, “We typically do have supporters at our championship meets however lack student sections in other competitions, opposed to our other sports such as football and basketball.”
However, it needs to be acknowledged that swim is a very repetitive and boring sport. Should the gentlemen who answered “no” on the survey feel guilty for not wanting to watch their friends swim across a pool for two hours half-naked? Coach Schuman mentioned, “It’s just not one of the big sports, it’s not out there, it has its own niche, it’s a really esoteric thing, and it can be boring as hell.” A cub may never know the grueling pain their friend goes through each swim season, but they know of their success and reputation. Swimming is not very entertaining, and may never be for high schoolers, but those who are on the team continue to represent the U of D crest no matter the support they receive.
Coach Edson, along with a few exceptional captains, have built a team that redefines UDJ Swim & Dive. The team experiences ups and downs, occasional lapses in discipline, and moments of missing camaraderie, though their consistency throughout the process has been substantial. Schuman added, “There is something different with the way things happen here …the best programs carry themselves a certain way.” Regardless of student attention, social media recognition, or victories, this team will eternally embody the “esprit de corps,” a spirit that remains elusive until experienced.
