Each year, the Swimming Sundevils are led by some of the most hardworking and competitive leaders in our school. This year, those student leaders are junior Michelle Cirbo, junior Magdelena Kress, senior Cayson Crocker, and senior Gabriel Johnson.
Being a part of the swim team is no small feat- with each in-season day consisting of dryland workouts, study blocks, and pool time- which emphasizes the importance of a dedicated leader.
“Being a captain to me is not just about holding the title. At meets, you are expected to be enthusiastic, answer questions, and demonstrate sportsmanship to your teammates and the other team,” said Johnson. “Being a captain is also about being someone your teammates can trust. In a way, look up to, but to be a friend to everyone/anyone on the team that needs it.”
Led by boys’ head coach Drema Biron, boys assistant coach Nathan Keller, and girls’ head coach Arianna Fletter, swim captains are held to the highest standard and are tasked with many responsibilities that are vital to the cohesiveness of the team.
“[Our responsibilities include] meet-day warmups and pep talks, ensuring the team listens and follows directions, leading stretches, leading by example, encouraging teammates, planning and executing fun activities, helping whenever possible, making sure our team has everything they need, and representing Salem Swim,” said Cirbo.
The constant repetition in swimming often leads to wear and tear injuries, which is something many of the captains have dealt with themselves. Their solution? Just keep swimming!
“Show up. Even if you aren’t feeling it, you’re tired, sore, and do not want to be there in general, the best thing you can do is show up. If you can’t give it your all that day, that’s fine, we can adjust, but if you just stay home, there is no way you can get to where you need/want to be,” said Kress.
The Swimming Sundevils prioritize good sportsmanship. It is an expected norm to cheer for every swimmer in every event- including the opposing team.
“Everybody seems bonded in some type of way, whether that be through school or growing up with each other. The captains from this season were really close with each other [as] most of them have known each other since they were underclassmen,” said sophomore Logan Dittrich. “Everyone on the swim team is just ‘zen’.”
Cirbo, Kress, Crocker, and Johnson have continued the tradition of pre-meet pasta parties and post-meet waffle house dinners- some of the most looked forward to forms of team bonding. If there’s one thing the swim team is known for, it’s the pasta parties.
“The pasta parties are always a lot of fun, I get to know other swimmers on the team better and carb up before the meet. Being a part of the swim team has given me the opportunity to grow close to Michelle both as a captain and a friend,” said Dittrich. “We’ve played games like “Just Dance” and Spoons- which gets really competitive.”
Crocker and Johnson were beyond excited to serve as captains this year- having sent bitter-sweet goodbyes to their coaches and peers at the conclusion of the season on Saturday, February 14th.
“[I just want to say] thank you to my coaches and to my team. I love Salem Swim, and some of the best memories I have from high school are rooted in this team,” said Johnson. “Every practice, every meet, and every race has shaped me into the person I am today, and I can’t thank all of you enough. I had a really wonderful senior swim season, and I can’t wait to see you all continue to “cook” next year!”
