This year Covid has delayed or canceled events for many months, and winter sports are no different. All winter sports had the start of their seasons pushed back to after the new year, with basketball, bowling, and cheerleading starting January 11, winter track and swimming starting February 1, and wrestling and girl’s volleyball beginning March 1. 

In prior years, swim meets often had many people crowded around each other, but this year, doing that is dangerous due to the ongoing pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, swim meets were big events and swimmers would look forward to going to these events. But now, between face masks, social distancing, and a lack of fans, the meets are dual competition against local schools that lack the energy and passion as big events of the past.

Head coach Mr. Schroeder said that he doesn’t mind the later season, but the shorter season is not great for his swimmers, as the meets are too close together throughout the week and the swimmers don’t have time to rest their bodies.

The swim team has come out strong with their season, starting at 4-0. With all the adversity regarding Covid, the team still aims to go undefeated this season. 

Junior Kylie Rodi, when asked what she thought about the season, said, “All the protocols have taken a lot to get used to, and it’s definitely different, but it doesn’t change our goals for this season.”  

Kylie and her teammates have goals of winning their division once again this year, and they are on a path to doing that so far. The team has also not let Covid tear them apart as a team, after a strong season last year, they continue to dominate. 

Coach Schroeder commented on his swimmers, “All of our athletes continue to participate in all sports due to their love of their sport, and not allowing a virus to completely rule their lives.” 

Thus far this season, the team defeated all four of its opponents: Pemberton, 126-44; Paul VI, 101-69; Delran, 116-54; and Northern Burlington, 96-74.  Still to come for the team will be meets this month against Holy Cross Prep; Bishop Eustace; and Haddon Heights. Currently, the toughest of those meets will be against Bishop Eustace and Haddon Heights, who are both having strong seasons at 4-0 and 5-1, respectively.