The swim and dive team prevailed at the District 11-6A Championship swim meet, taking the victory on Friday, Jan. 26. The boys finished first, continuing their winning streak with the ninth win, beating out six other teams and the girls took second place.

In the weeks prior to the meet, Coach Matthew McBrearty changed the practice schedule from three days in the pool, and two days in the weight room each week, to four days in the pool and no more weight room. In the week of Districts, the Warriors started to taper, where practices became a lot easier so their bodies could recover.

“The training leading up to to Districts was one of my favorite parts of the season. We all got to taper for the meet and really focus on the events we were going to swim,” Haley Betron ‘20 said. “Before my race I was really nervous. I really wanted to make Regionals which added a lot of stress to my swim.”

The top eight in each event scored points and made the All-District team, top six qualified for Regionals, and top three made the podium. The Warriors filled up the top places in each event and many made Regionals for the first time. 22 swimmers and both divers will advance to Regionals. Both A relays for girls and boys won the 200-yard medley relay and the 200-yard freestyle relay and both placed second for the 400-yard relay. All relays will advance to Regionals.  

“After I found out I made Regionals, I was so excited. I was thankful that I met my goal and that I get to represent Westwood at Regionals,” Betron said.

The Warriors supported each other in every event, filling up the sidelines and cheering loud for their teammates. Coach McBrearty and the captains made sure every swimmer who was not swimming, was standing up and cheering for those swimming.

“My favorite part of the meet was cheering for all of our races. Everytime anyone swam there was always people cheering for them,” Ethan Riser ‘19 said. “No one was left out. That’s what I love most about this team and that most teams envy; the team spirit.”

The Warriors were happy to see Mr. Acosta and Coach Dalrymple come out to support them, as well as six alumni who took time off from their busy schedules to see the team.

“I got to see how hard our swimmers and divers work and see their passion so it was nice to see others enjoying that,” Assistant Coach Tamra Franklin said. “One of my favorite swim traditions is when we are pulling onto Lake Creek Dr. after a meet, there is a very specific spot where everyone begins belting out the school song as we roll into the lot.”

The swim and dive team will travel to Dallas on Thursday to participate in the Region 3-6A Championship meet which will take place Feb. 2-3.

Some other achievements made by the swim team include four seniors who have committed to colleges to swim and study for the class of 2022. Ashlyn Carroll will be attending Boston University, Sam Caro will be attending Colorado University, Jacob Stubbs will be attending Trinity University, and Staley Varozza will be attending Oklahoma Christian University.