The Oak Park High School swim team made school history last year as it made its first appearance in high school competition. With the team’s success relying highly on the number of members, a larger team sparks anticipation of success this season. 

With each team member only being allowed to participate in a maximum of four events, the OPHS swim team had previously been limited by the number of its members. Without this restraint, the OPHS swim team will be able to allot more team members to each event, therefore increasing the chance of overall success.

Both new and returning team members work to improve their individual skills, leading to an overall stronger team. In addition to this, expectations for team morale remain strong as returning team members look forward to another successful season.

“I am super excited for this season. Last season was so much fun and I know this season is going to be even better, especially because we have so many new people,” said junior swim team member Pia Atal.

Tryouts for the OPHS swim team took place on Jan. 10 through Jan. 12, with high school meets beginning in March, the swim team holds optional practices in the interim every week day after school at California Lutheran University’s pool. The first mandatory practice of the season is on Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. at CLU’s pool.

“This is my first year and we haven’t officially started practice, but at tryouts all my teammates seemed very supportive and sincere,” said freshman team member Ava Nawabi.

Although swim meets consist of individual events that are combined for a school total, each member can cheer other members on while they are competing. With the addition of many new members this year, the team spirit is on the rise in accordance with expectations for the swim season. 

“I am excited for this season and I am looking forward to meeting new team mates,” said senior team member Pranav Kadiyala.

With the swim team’s season starting shortly, spirit is high in anticipation for the first meet at 3 p.m. on Mar. 2 at Moorpark High School. Click here to view the swim team’s full schedule for this upcoming season.