With homecoming approaching, South’s Blue Devils have not one, but two major events coming up: the Wayne County swim meet and Homecoming on the same day.
Varsity swimmer Lillian Irby ’25 said she and her team are frustrated with the day’s packed schedule. Having to work around the swim meet has been a big hassle for everyone, Irby said.
“I’m gonna rush and I’m just a little sad and disappointed,” Irby said. “I had to book all my appointments way later than normal because of my swimming.”
While most people are flustered by juggling these events, Elle Petz ’26 said she is trying to stay optimistic and keep her head up. She said she believes that the team can get through this together.
“It’s gonna be fun because there’s a lot of people that have to do the same thing, so we’re all gonna be together and enjoying the fun of it,” Petz said. “I’m not going to have as much time to get ready, but hopefully everything is okay.”
Lucy Fry ’24 said she wants to be able to enjoy her last homecoming as well as her last Wayne meet on the team. Not only does Fry have to get ready for homecoming, but set up the dance as well.
“I’m really nervous about it just because it is a big county swim for me,” Fry said. “There is just a lot going on; there’s a lot of pressure.”
Swim team coach John Fodell said he understands the struggles of preparing for homecoming and will make sure the girls get enough time to prepare for their big night, much to the girls’ liking.
“It’s definitely kind of weird because you have to get ready pretty late in the day,” Petz said. “Our coach made it so (the meet) is closer to all our houses so we can get back to our houses and get ready quickly.”
South’s Blue Devil swimmers will be feeling the nerves as this is a very important meet for all them. They have worked hard to earn a spot by meeting certain times in order to compete in the meet.
“There are specific times that you need to make so not everyone will make it,” Irby said. “I’ll still try hard. I’m just going to be thinking about the events of the night.”
The swimmers said they have gotten used to the fact that they have to juggle these events and are taking it like champs. Hopefully, the champs of the Wayne county meet as well.
“We have to swim and then get home hopefully in time to go do all the fun dance stuff and get ready,” Fry said. “Hopefully I don’t smell like chlorine.”
