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Swimming, diving teams look to dominate

By Mackenzie Madison
<mmadison@hilite.org>

Swimmers are well known for being in a sport that takes a lot of time, effort and discipline, something a lot of teenagers don’t have; but, early morning practices, late night practices and then the long, all night meets and competitions constitute the norm for the team here. As two of the top programs in the state, both the men’s and women’s teams are already preparing for the season.

The swim teams’ practices have already been going on for a few weeks now and most swimmers and divers are getting ready for their seasons. Head Coach Chris Plumb said that the team has very intense practices every day of the week, Monday through Friday. The team also has its first meet Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at North Central.

“I really enjoy swimming in meets; I get really nervous, but it’s definitely worth it when you get the best times,” sophomore swimmer Sarah Nocco said.

Although Dec. 9 seems like far away date,  swimmers said that it’s never too early to prepare for their season.

While conditioning has already begun, most swimmers swim year round to be conditioned all year. This extra time also gives coaches time to better and improve the team.

“We are going to work on being able to race in challenging situations, a unified team and focus on the process,” Plumb said.

Nocco said that she’s excited to be part of a tradition of championship teams at Carmel.

“This year the high school team is going for the 23rd championship in a row,” Nocco said.

With a scheduled line up of teams like West Lafayette, Noblesville, North Central and Hamilton Southeastern, Plumb said he believes the teams’ biggest competition is themselves.

“We do not need to worry about what other teams have or do,” he said, “but we want each of our athletes to be the best that they can be. “I think our boy’s and girl’s teams will be extremely competitive.”

With practices in the morning, before school and in the evening after school, the swimmers do not have a lot of extra time allotted for extra activities.

“Time management is key,” Nocco said. “You have to be able to balance school, friends and family with swimming.”

According to Plumb, the swim team also allows its athletes to miss very few practices and enforces strict timeliness. That’s because if one swimmer misses a practice, their body is usually sore after the next practice. And if the swimmers continue to miss swim practice, it does not bode well for their body in the long run.

“To be on the swim team, it takes time management, hard work, confidence, courage and perseverance,” he said. “To be a great swimmer, one must have a certain mental toughness to go along with a strong work  ethic. There are certain physical skills that can help, but it is only a small part of it.” Nocco said, “It takes a lot of dedication to the sport to make yourself go to practice 10 times a week, but if you want to get better you’ll go.”

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Photo of the Day

PERFECT PRACTICE: Freshman Jeff Hou watches freshman Ray Qian practice on the piano in the orchestra room on Dec. 12 during 7th period. They frequently practice in preparation for future playing tests and performances. ARJUNA CAPULONG / PHOTO

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Cross Country State Meet - VICTORIOUS RUN: In Head Coach Chuck Koeppen's final season, the men's and women's cross-country capture both State titles, sending him off as a winner. NICK JOHNSON / PHOTOS

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