The Swim and Dive River Rats are back in action! After Governor Whitmor set new COVID-19 restrictions on Nov. 15, four days before the Girl’s Swimming and Diving State Championships, the state team’s season was indefinitely postponed. The state team athletes were allowed by the Health Department and Michigan High School Athletic Association to resume their practices on Jan. 4.    

          “The girls were excited to get back in the pool,” head swim coach Andrea Stanczyk said. “I think it helps them destress and see each other, even if it is at a distance.”

          Although the athletes are grateful to be able to finish their season, it is not without a challenge. The State Championships have been rescheduled on Jan. 15 for diving and Jan. 16 for swimming. This leaves the state team with only two weeks to prepare for the meet after over a month out of the pool. 

          “We haven’t been able to practice as much as we would’ve liked, but we’re all pretty excited for states and hopeful that we all do well,” senior swim captain Emily Tran said.