“Performance is based on what you put into it and also contributes to the team effort,” said first-year swimmer John Carmody.

This year Washington and Lee’s Men’s Swimming Team has welcomed a large wave of first-year swimmers. The ten new athletes have certainly positively impacted the team and have contributed to its success this season.

“I think because we are a big class, we brought a little life back into the program,” said Carmody. “Before there were not enough swimmers, but now we have to compete for positions within events which has definitely made the team stronger.”

Thomas Caldwell, another rookie  swimmer, echoed this sentiment and said he  believes that each swimmer works hard individually which gives the team depth as a whole.

“We all contribute in our own ways, and we are all hard workers in practice,” said Caldwell. “We are a solid, well-rounded team.”

Noah Schammel explains that each new first-year class sets a higher standard for the team.

“Our freshmen class is particularly strong. We continue on the success of last year’s class and build on it,” said Schammel. “We are just always raising the bar with each class.”

In particular, the first-year swimmers agree that the team’s training session in Miami, Florida during winter break helped to strengthen the team.

“Since the training trip, everyone has gotten closer. It was definitely a chance to get to know each other,” said Schammel. “Everyone is in so much better shape, and there is more team unity now.”

Caldwell agrees that trip particularly contributed to team bonding.

“It was a great experience. We had some off days and got to go to the beach. All the freshmen went out to dinner one night,” said Caldwell. “It was tough swimming, but it was also really fun.”

As for the upperclassmen members of the team, these older swimmers act as leaders for the first-years.

“The older guys are always the ones killing it in practice,” said Schammel. “It is great to have them around because they give perspective on everything. They round up the team. It wouldn’t be the same without them.”

The First-years and the rest of the Men’s Swimming team will look to end their season strong at the ODAC Championship Meet, to be held from Feb. 13-15 at Greensboro Aquatics Center.