Did you know that Tuscarora High School has a swim team? Neither did I. Tuscarora’s swim team needs to get the recognition they deserve. The swim team had their first meet on Dec. 2, which launched the start of the swim season. Our swim team would not be possible without their head coach, Ivan Boyars, and the fantastic swimmers that make up this team. 

Madison Collins is a sophomore at Tuscarora High School who has been a valuable member to the team. “I have been swimming competitively for three years, but I’ve been swimming my whole life,” Collins states. She made it to the regional cut times in the first meet of this season! Collins’s favorite part of the swim team is the meets, saying there are “so many great memories.” Collins said, “I’m looking forward to setting new times and working towards my goals!”

Another great swimmer to take time to recognize is Captain Noah Hoffman. Hoffman is a junior at Tuscarora and has been swimming for eight years. “My best event is the 100-yard backstroke, and my favorite event is the 200 medley relay,” Hoffman said. He has had a great experience being a part of the swim team so far. “My favorite experience being on the swim team was when the whole team was cheering me on while I was swimming the 500-yard freestyle. As a captain, I look forward to helping my teammates improve every practice and cheering them on every meet!” Hoffman exclaimed. 

Stephanie Steele is a senior who has been part of the Tuscarora swim team for all four years. “I’ve been swimming for ten years and have been swimming for Tuscarora all four years of high school,” Steele stated. She has had a great time swimming with Tuscarora. She said she enjoys “getting to know all of my teammates.” There are many great experiences outside of the actual swimming portion of this sport. “I love hanging out with everyone at the pasta parties, practices, and IHOP after meets,” Steele shares. 

One more great addition to the swim team is Myro Lukin. Lukin is a sophomore at Tuscarora and has been competitively swimming for two years. “My favorite experience on the Tuscarora swim team has been spending time and swimming with my friends,” Lukin explains. “I’m looking forward to doing as much as I can for my team and trying to go to states!” Lukin said, excited for the season. 

All the swimmers at Tuscarora have impacted the team and made it more robust. They all work together well and are like a big family. The swim team should get more recognition, and more Tuscarora students should take time to watch their meets.