On Friday, February 14, the Westside varsity swimming teams will compete in the Metro Conference Meet. The meet will start Friday morning at Millard West High School and finish Saturday afternoon. The metro meet is a way for swimmers to qualify for the state meet if they haven’t already. Both teams have been practicing hard for these two meets, senior Annika Wilmers said.

“For metros a lot of us will rest and cut back on yardage, so we have been getting out of practice earlier,” Wilmers said. “We also cut back on some of our dryland exercises and our weight lifting. Mentally, we visualize and relax before we swim to prepare and relax us.”

Both teams have been very successful this season and are trying to keep it going. The boy’s varsity team is undefeated in dual battles and have placed at multiple meets, including placing first in the Westside Invitational. The girl’s varsity team has only lost two duals and have placed well in multiple meets as well. Senior Sam Kelly credits the team’s success this season to the team’s chemistry and the coaches.

“Success is something that is built over time,” Kelly said. “I think a lot of this season’s success and mentality has been built by the last 2 years. What’s different this year is that we have a strong freshman class, which helps keep some of the older guys working harder. Our coaches are definitely some of the best in the state, especially with Coach Krecklow having 40 years of experience. What helps the most, is the amount of motivation we have on the team. You can always count on someone being at the end of your lane ready to cheer for you.”

Following Thursday’s diving portion, the Metro Swimming Meet wil take place on Friday and Saturday.