The swim team takes on Heritage and Reedy Thursday at the Bruce Eubanks Natatorium in the Redhawks first meet of the 2022-23 season. 

“It is our first smaller meet, and they go by rather quickly,” head swim and dive coach Zach Gnoza said. “I want my athletes to know how to get up and race over and over again in a short period of time, because that is how our championship meets of Regionals and State will go. They have to race hard in prelims and then race hard again in finals. Small meets like these will help them prepare physically and mentally for our championship season.”

But smaller meets are not easy, according to senior Maria Oushalkas, which is why this meet is so crucial to get the practice in for districts.

“Back to back races are brutal,” Oushalkas said. “All the lactic acid buildup has no time to go away so the second race always hurts more. With enough time I like to warm down a couple 100 yards to make sure I’m ready for the following race.”

Coach Gnoza thinks that team spirit will be key this season.

“Having a strong team culture will be our greatest asset this year,” Gnoza said. “Our team has grown this year and the more fellow teammates cheering each other on and being there to support one another will help us succeed and reach our goals.”