The calm, smooth, even water that fills the pool is smashed by the swimmer just after the race is commenced. The cool body of water is now agitated and turbulent due to the determined strokes of every swimmer. They are all fighting to win the 50 meter swim at the swim and dive meet hosted here in Harrisonburg yesterday. The meet was held at Westover Park in their indoor facility. Although it was not a hugely important meet, it still carried weight with the athletes. Even in the hot, stuffy, humid conditions that come with indoor pool facilities, everyone there was unaffected and ready to do their best.

The meet started out with diving and then the swimming events. Since there were middle schoolers at this event the order went first with eighth graders, boys and then girls for each event. With a varying range of distances, there is a race for all talents.

But in addition to the competitive part of this sport, another noticeable thing was the social engagement. The team members spent all the time between their races talking among one another and playing games. Several swimmers say that they have good friends on the team and enjoy being with them. This can be seen in the team’s dinner together before swim meets.

HHS had many successful races in the meet yesterday, ranging from seasoned, returning veterans to younger swimmers trying out races for the first time.

Gallery • 15 Photos

Joshua Byrd

HHS swims freestyle.