Members of the Athens Drive swim team competed in the 4A division state meet Friday, Feb. 10 at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary. Nine Athens Drive swimmers competed in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A state meet and five swimmers went on to finals, swimming in two events.

 Schools from all over North Carolina competed in the meet. Providence, a high school from Charlotte, scored first in the men’s category. Myers Park, another high school from Mecklenburg County scored first in the women’s category. 

Blythe Holloway, junior, was one of the nine swimmers that competed in the state meet. She raced in the 100 breaststroke, 200 individual medley, and 200 medley relay. 

“After doing really well at regionals, I was hoping to do a little better at States than I did. But States was a blast, and I was ecstatic to represent Athens Drive at the state level,” said Holloway.

A large aspect of swimming is the mentality, so players often develop their own routines that they feel most comfortable with and that helps them perform at their best. 

“Before my events, I have a specific warm up that I like to do to prepare myself for my different races. I like to get my heart rate up and get excited for my race. Thoughts about technique are in my head, but I mainly focus on keeping a strong attitude and racing other people,” said Holloway.

Shane Barry, head swim coach, has been coaching swimming for as long as he has been a part of Athens staff. This year marks his ninth year as head coach. 

“I support my athletes in whatever way possible. If they make it this far then they know what they’re doing in terms of pacing, technique, etc. My job is to keep them posted on when they swim, how long to warm up and cool down, what the timeline for the meet is, etc,” said Shane Barry, head swim coach. 

Due to the large number of teams that competed at this meet, the atmosphere could be seen as chaotic.

“Everyone needs to be in the right spot at the right time. Luckily, I have an experienced crew that were all on point,” said Barry. 

The athletes were able to showcase all the hard work and training that has gone into the season.  

“I’m proud of these kids, no question. They gave it their all through the entire championship meet schedule and that is all I can ask of them,” said Barry.