26 in ’24. The boys’ swim team had one goal on the morning of Feb. 24, 2024, and that was to dominate the MAC Red Finals. The team was fighting for their 26th consecutive win, and the energy was palpable on the deck as the first event started.
A very successful season of dual meets led senior CJ Schindlbeck ’24 to feel the weight of the previous trophies and certainly added some pressure. As a fourth year swimmer on the team, Shindlbeck has had the opportunity to see personal progress each season.
“It’s a huge honor to be able to carry on the legacy of swimmers that I’ve never even met that worked hard to start this winning streak,” Schindlbeck said. “It shows how much work we put in every year to continue improving and making sure we defend our title as MAC champions.”
The road to victory was not an easy path to trek. Even though the number of swimmers has significantly decreased in recent years, the team has a drive for success and continuously encourages dedication.
“We’ve definitely been helped by having a good sized team and a lot of lifelong swimmers that had fast times and scored a lot of points, but we’ve lost a lot of fast swimmers the last few years and will again this year,” Schindlbeck said. “All of the boys have been working super hard to maintain our streak and fill the shoes left by those swimmers.”
The hard work that goes into each race is fueled by teammates, coaches and parents. Captain Ben Bryan ’24 invests in each moment of the sport for himself and others, especially at larger competitions such as conference meets.
“I know how great it feels to hit my own cuts and goals and seeing others do the same is amazing,” Bryan said. “I love to be a part of that process to get there and push my friends to be the best they can.”
As the season begins to wrap up, the team has time to reflect on what they have achieved and what they still hope to accomplish. The culture of the team pushes swimmers to chase their goals in every situation they face.
“Sad to think we are two weeks from the end of my south career,” Bryan said. “Crazy to think it all started with masks on deck and distancing in the pool. This season flew by, let alone all of high school. Looking to end it on top and go career best times at states.”
