All is quiet on the pool deck as swimmers, parents, and spectators hold their breath in anticipation.
“On your mark, get set …”
Buzz.
Arlington Aquatic Club Stingrays shine in first taste of competition
Dozens of young swimmers dive into the water, racing toward the opposite wall in the opening relay of the Arlington Aquatic Club summer practice meet.
After weeks of training at the Arlington ISD Athletics Center Natatorium, swimmers ages 18 and younger got their first taste of competitive swimming in an exciting meet environment.
“They learn all four strokes and what it’s like to compete,” said assistant swim coach Madison Zdrojewski. “I would say about 80% of them have never swum in a swim meet, so we spent the last month and a half getting them ready. By the end of the program, they at least understand the format and feel more comfortable competing.”
Teammates cheered each other on as swimmers powered through freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events, showcasing the skills they developed throughout the summer.
“I worked hard and improved a lot,” said Lorenzo Nunez, a swimmer in the 11-12 age group.
A young swimmer smiles poolside during the Aquatics program practice meet
For many participants, the program provided an opportunity to learn new techniques, refine their form and build confidence in and out of the pool. For 15-18 swimmer Bradley Najera, the experience helped him better understand both the sport and his own abilities.
“I’ve learned how to improve my strokes and breathing,” Najera said. “When I join the varsity team next year, I’ll be ready. I come here every day, and I enjoy it. It helps me clear my mind, and I just feel amazing when I do it.”
Nunez and Najera are not the only students benefiting from the program. Parents and coaches alike have watched swimmers gain confidence since the start of the summer season.
“I’ve seen kids who were too nervous to even jump into the water at the beginning,” said swim club parent Jocelyn Epley. “Now they go right in. Having the opportunity to compete in a swim meet at the end of the program is a great way for them to experience competition in a lower-pressure environment.”
The Arlington Aquatic Club Stingrays will compete again at 6 p.m. July 30 at the Arlington ISD Athletics Center Natatorium. Registration for future club sessions will open in August.
The Arlington Aquatic Club is a year-round swimming team affiliated with USA Swimming. The program at the Arlington ISD natatorium serves students ages 5-18 from any school or school district and offers several groups and times based on age and ability. Learn more.