Having continuous swim meets where improvement is seen, records are set and victories are achieved is impressive to see; however, it doesn’t come easily. A large majority of it comes down to having practices that push individuals to build endurance, get stronger and gain confidence in themselves. Fortunately, the Boys Swim Team does just that.

Captain Ben Bryan ’24 said that practices the winter break use many methods and components to get swimmers into shape.

“Over breaks, we have three hour practices that involve lifting for about an hour and swimming for the other two hours,” Bryan said. “Usually it’s leading up to a meet, so we’ll go the full week training three hours a day right into a tough competition, which is pretty rough. That’s why it is called hell week.”

Lucas Curtis ’27 has been swimming for seven years. As a member of the Grosse Pointe Gators swim team in the past, he had the chance to meet his current coach, Coach John Fodell, and some of the upperclassmen before joining the team. Curtis also mentioned that the captains on the team have been huge supporters during this season so far who will continue to push each swimmer to excel to their greatest potential, even on the most challenging days.

“I got to know Coach Fodell and his routines, so the South swim practices didn’t come too much as a surprise for me,” Curtis said. “Although I have never been through a hell week before, I look forward to the challenge and improvement that comes along with it.”

Captain and recent record breaker, Troy Liu ’24 said he agrees with Curtis and that these long practices are what makes the team flourish. Moreover, Liu said he believes that these practices not only enhance their performance but also creates stronger bonds among the members on the team.

“During these practices, the pool is filled with coaches yelling, underclassmen screaming and whistles, which to me is music to my ears,” Liu said.

Liu said he has already seen great improvement in his team since the beginning of the season. He said looks forward to seeing what they will be able to accomplish by the end of the season after all the conditioning they’ve been doing.

“I see a lot of hard work going on, which as captain I am proud to see as I am responsible for leading other people who are dedicated towards their goals,” Liu said.

Although Liu has been participating in hell week for four years now and has developed an appreciation for the challenge of it all, he is well aware of how draining it can be.

“As swimmers, we are always sore and sleep deprived, but our coaches are pretty good physical therapists and can rub any cramp out of you in seconds,” Liu said.

Bryan says hell week is an opportunity to gain both physical and mental resilience, which is why it is crucial for swimmers to attend each practice over break.

“In order to get better at any sport you must learn how to work when you’re sore and tired,” Bryan said.