My practices for WPIALS and States definitely changed a lot in the weeks and days leading up to them. The distance of each practice got a lot shorter, and I did a lot of technique work. My coach also helped me focus on specific parts of my race including my turns, underwaters, and starts.
[/sidebar]Although this year has been challenging for the boys they have still been able to pull through many making it to WPIALS after their recent county meet at Derry on Jan. 27, 2024, falling in 5th overall. This season has been a bit different for the boys as the team lost many seniors last year, but despite that they are continuing to break individual records and being 5-5 as a team this year.
“As a team, we always strive to encourage one another and swim our fastest. said Freshman Preston Montag, “Currently, one of our many team goals is to keep swimming fast in preparation for our last two dual meets and then eventually WPIALs.” 
Along with going to WPIALS, Tyler Turgeon has successfully broken previous records this year despite taking a break from the swim team. Turgeon swam the 100 back within 51.9 seconds breaking the school record.
“My individual goal would be to do well at WPIALs and hope to attend states.” With breaking the score and coming in 4th overall at the county meet, Turgeon said, “I was hopeful to get the 100 backstroke school record for Norwin and I did at the meet. Team goals are to get as many people qualified for events as possible. Another team goal is to get the relays all qualified. I think the best way to achieve these goals is to keep everyone positive and working hard at every practice.”
Turgeon isn’t the only one this season that is breaking records, senior Connor Lydon beat his personal record for the season in the 100 yard freestyle during the county meet.
“The seasons had some ups and downs, it’s rough in the winter during break when we are practicing twice everyday, but personally I’m doing pretty well as I’m breaking times that I haven’t done before,” Lydon said.
Lydon also hopes for this season to end well for him in WPIALS, as he looks forward to trying to compete in events he normally doesn’t.
“The WPIAL championship at the end of February is our big meet. We have many relays and individuals qualified, the goal now is to place as high as possible and see if we can get a few athletes to the state meet,” said Head Coach Doug Watson.
The swimming season is tough on the boys with only 10 team members this year. But they continue to push through to make both themselves and the team better.
With the team’s lower numbers in the past couple years Norwin has started a middle school team to help boost the numbers up a bit. Although the team faces many challenges with their numbers the team still plans on sending 4 boys to WPIALS.
This year Coach Watson is planning on sending seniors Noah Mulac, Cole Kubistek, Connor Lydon, and junior Tyler Turgeon to WPIALS.
Despite the challenges the team came across this season, Freshman Liam Samuels shares how he is staying positive through the season. “My biggest challenge this season has been keeping a strong mindset, even though the practices are hard you have to create a positive mindset and learn to push through it.”
