The boy’s varsity swim team is in its final stretch of the season, with the state meet on the horizon. Many schools across Michigan compete in this event, and South has been preparing for it all season. The meet will be held in Holland, Michigan on Mar. 14.
Captain Raef Akkary ‘20 believes the team has a good chance to win it all, and is doing everything he can to get his team ready to perform well.
“We are ranked second in the state, and have a chance to possibly win [states], so it motivates me to train harder, and get the team ready to go for states,” Akkary said.
P.K. Nugent ‘20 is looking forward to this event, and notices the rest of his team feels the same way.
“I feel excited going into the states,” Nugent said. “The energy on the team is incredible, everyone is ready to give their best effort.”
As his senior year is winding down, Nugent is aware of how important these last meets are, and has upped his level of preparation.
“I am treating every meet with way more focus,” Nugent said. “I know that I do not have many left.”
Tucker Briggs ‘22 expects the state meet to bring a lot of good memories, and believes he is well prepared.
“This state meet is going to be memorable as we are going in ranked in the top three,” Briggs said. “This is one of the most demanding meets that you have to be prepared for.” Going into states as a highly ranked team, there are high expectations. Akkary knows that they can achieve their goal if the team puts in the effort that it takes.
“We have to take care of business. We have the talent and depth to win,” Akkary said. “We just have to make sure that we show up when needed.”
As emotions start to build, and as the team looks to win, Briggs also wants them to enjoy the moment no matter what the outcome is.
“I am anxious to get out there and give it my all,” Briggs said. “The main goal is to win states, but I want to see everyone having fun.”
Nugent wants to win a state championship to close out his swimming career, and he knows the rest of his teammates share that common goal.
“All of our team really wants this, especially the seniors,” Nugent said. “I want to come back from Holland with the trophy.”