On January 27, 2021, the Midlothian Trojans took on the James River Rapids at the SwimRVA pool, where meets have been held since the swimming program became large enough to fill the enormous space. However, the competition looked quite different this year from past meets. Swimmers were required to sit in the stands, not on the deck, and parents, friends, and other spectators were not allowed. Swimmers had to keep their masks on at all times, except for when they were in the water, thankfully. Even the heat sheets were different, as they lacked the normal relay events. 

The lack of onlookers affected some swimmers’ race mentality. Standout junior captain Charlotte Allums felt having her parents missing was weird, but “the team really came together to cheer each other on in the stands because we were all in the same boat.” 

This type of unity and teamwork was a staple of the season, as cooperation from the swimmers and coaches was essential to make the season possible. The team would like to thank Coaches Gene Bryson, Garrett Graham, and Stephanie Simpson for working so hard to keep everyone safe during practices so that meets like this would be possible. 

James River has always been a fierce rival of the Trojans, and even though this was only the second meet of the season, the hard work put in at practice paid off in the pool. This resulted in personal records for many swimmers, including senior Joseph Hecht, who finished his 50 freestyle with a 24.59, and first place in his heat. 

Senior swimmers Taylor Clennan, Joseph Hecht, Emily Gundel, and Abigail van Eerden were honored with slideshows presented throughout the meet depicting their future swim and academic plans, and with gift baskets and flower bouquets arranged by the school. 

This was the final meet before the 5B Regionals, which will take place on February 4, at the SwimRVA center, between Clover Hill, Monocan, Atlee, and Midlothian. Midlothian has 13 boys and 15 girls who have qualified for this meet.