Srestha Chattopadhyay

The Northview Swim and Dive team is filled with people who are truly determined to find their place in the water. There are 30 students from freshmen to seniors, competing in 12 swimming and diving events.

The team competed in the Northern Lakes League schools championship on Jan. 13 at Bowling Green State University. Northview students competed against other swimmers and divers from Napoleon, Southview, Perrysburg, Anthony Wayne, Maumee, and Springfield. The boy’s team placed fourth overall and the girl’s team placed sixth overall. Although the team didn’t win the meet, there were multiple students who placed in the top three in their events.

“AJ Michaelson won the 100 breast and many other athletes were second or third in their events. There were lots of season bests and lifetime bests,” swimming coach Hollis Williams said.

Many who didn’t place still accomplished beating their own personal records.

“I beat a personal record for the 50 meter freestyle and 100 meter freestyle at the NLL this year,” junior Isabella Elmore said. “My time was 37.28 and the new personal record time is 36.2 for the 50 free. My 100 free time went from 1:26 to 1:23. Although this was my first time competing in the NLL, it went great and I loved swimming in BG’s pool. I can’t wait for next year.”

In addition to personal records and placements, the team always has fun hanging out and competing together. “The NLL championship was definitely one of my favorite meets this year. Even though we didn’t win, I still had so much fun spending time with my friends and competing,” sophomore Hannah Hill said.

The team now is focused on the multiple meets left, most importantly Districts. Sectionals are on Feb. 11 and Districts are Feb. 18.

“We taper for two weeks, which means practices get lighter and lighter so our bodies are ready to compete,” senior Emma Bedee said. “For the underclassmen that are getting ready for sectionals, I would advise them to eat healthy and load up on carbs the night before.”

Despite there being less attention placed on the Swim and Dive team compared to other sports, swim team members not only compete, they also to show support for their team. Swim meets “are hectic fun as always because everyone gets to swim in his best event and cheer the whole team on, which is why my favorite part of the season is the middle part since everyone is really close,” junior Claire Neeley said.

Srestha Chattopadhyay is a NV junior.