The swim season has started—now complete with a new HVAC system for the Beaver Area High School natatorium!

Though there haven’t been any meets yet, the team has been preparing for their first meet against Blackhawk December 17.

In case you jest emerged from a coma or a cave, there is a pandemic occurring, so swimmers have adjusted their practices. Swimmers are required to wear their masks every second they are out of the water, including in the locker room.

It also is expected that spectators will not be allowed at meets due to COVID concerns.

Girls’ team captain and senior Jazlyn Yanssens still is excited to have fun with her teammates one last time before she graduates.

“I think it’s especially nice that we’re able to have a season with everything going on, so I’m just trying to make the best of every moment I have,” Yanssens remarked.

Some swimmers are working on improving their strokes this season.

Senior Nick Mathias said, “All I’m really excited for is improving my breast stroke.”

Despite losing several swimmers from the roster either to graduation or just lack of interest, junior Nate Grundberg believes that the team can still pull through.

“I think that we can still be as successful as past seasons,” Grundberg predicted.

Unfortunately, as of December 5, the team is quarantining as a precaution after a recent COVID exposure. The status of their December 17 meet is uncertain, but it’s hoped that everyone will be healthy in time to take their places on the starting blocks.