On Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 9, the girls swim team competed in divisions at Sterling Heights High School. For the first time since 2004, the team won the Macomb Area Conference (M.A.C.) Silver Swimming and Diving Championship. They scored a 5-0 dual record as they showed their dedication to the sport, leaving themselves undefeated for the entire season.

“It’s bittersweet to me. I’m going to miss the memories being in the pool and competing, but I’m glad to move on from this chapter in my life,” senior Kara Lightfoot said. 

With the guidance of coach Kay Drake and assistant coach Megan Conant, the girls competed in many events over the two days. In the 200 medley “A” relay, which was composed of seniors Anastasia Hargo, Kayla Kornelson, Lightfoot and Mackenzie Smith, the team placed third, which was only the beginning of their high streak. In the 200 Individual Medley (I.M.) senior Chloe LeBlanc placed sixth and senior Abigail Barnett placed second. With blocks loaded in the 200 freestyle event, senior Lexie Syacsure took second place, senior Nicole Powers took fourth, sophomore Ann-Marie Allard took fifth, and sophomore Faith Moore followed up in sixth place.

In celebration of their 320 point high score, the girls played music and cheered along to the RHS fight song on their way back from the competition.

“I had high hopes for our team since we were undefeated, but I was surprised when we won the entire competition,” Powers said.

As the season comes to an end, the seniors on the team shed tears of not only sadness but happiness as personal records and goals were made. 

“I had to push myself and train hard, but looking up at the time board and seeing I dropped four seconds and got first was all worth it. Being able to hear my family scream in the crowd made me even happier,” Kornelson said.

Everyone became like family—always motivating each other to do better and joking around. With only mock awards and the banquet left, the season is officially over, but that does not mean the friendships they made are.