The Boys Varsity Swim Team continued its tradition of supporting a good cause at its Feb. 6 Senior Night against Holland Christian.
This year, the team raised raise over $4,500 for one of the swimmer’s parents, Paula Davis, who is currently fighting her battle with cancer. The swimmers raised the money through a “Chuck-a-Duck” fundraiser by selling rubber ducks to friends and family.
With another successful donation drive, the team has over the past 10 years raised over $45,000 for various charities and families.
During a break in the meet, a hula hoop was placed in the middle of the pool and both teams rapidly threw ducks at the ring, attempting to make them in. Of the ones that made it in the ring, a few were chosen and those who bought them received gift cards. Overall, the team raised $4,540 for Ms. Davis and her family, one of the highest donations the team has raised over the years.
When Greysen Davis, Ms. Davis’ son, was asked how he felt about the donation, he said, “I am so grateful for the team and them helping my family. It means a lot.”
Not only was the meet a financial success, but an athletic one as well, as there were 25 personal record swims, three first-place finishes, and two new D3 state cuts. Senior Johnny Wachter won both the 50 freestyle (21.96) and 100 freestyle (49.12) and junior Noah Fletcher took first in the 500 freestyle (5:13.17). Sophomore Tyler Nutt achieved his first state cut in the 100 backstroke (59.27), and junior Ryan Fisher achieved a personal record state cut in the 100 backstroke as well (57.84).
Senior Nathan Navarre, one of the captains, said, “There’s been so many memories here. I’m really going to miss the team and the people. The team means so much to me and I couldn’t ask for a better group of people.”
“The team gets along so well,” senior Kyle Eacker added. “I’m really going to miss it.”
When Senior Ryan Bonney was asked how Senior Night went, he said, “I think senior night went great. I’m feeling really happy and really sad at the same time. I’m going to miss this team and this community.”
Senior Johnny Wachter added, “It was really cool to see everyone get their best times. I’ve really enjoyed swimming with the team over the years.”
It was a wonderful celebration of the seniors’ final home meet as they ran through the tunnel and were each given a standing ovation. The seniors included Johnny Wachter, Nathan Navarre, Ryan Bonney, and Kyle Eacker. Though they lost the meet 110.5 to 72.5, the Lakers brought speed and energy to the pool.
The team is currently preparing for its Conference Meet in Zeeland on February 23 and 24. The state meet to end the season is in Holland.