Lungs burning, legs filling with lactic acid, you glance up out of the water. You see your opponent passing you, you want to give in and stop swimming altogether. But you see your relay teammates cheering you on, and you dig deep and finish the best lap of your life. 

Pushing yourself for the good of the team is a common motive among the Parkway South swim team. This determination and drive has led the Patriots to a 22-0 run in dual meets dating back to last season. 

“We’ve already had some big meets. We took 4th at the Cape Rock Invitational and defeated Lafayette, Marquette, and Lindbergh in dual meets,” said History teacher and Head Coach Jeremy Nichols. 

The team is enjoying its early success, but also staying focused on future meets. 

“We take on Clayton on the 23rd, and Kirkwood on the 29th.  Both of those meets will be close,” Nichols said.

As well as their dual-meet dominance, the team looks to win some big invitationals later in the season as well. 

“Last year we got 4th at Conference. This year we aim to win it. All of the hard work would be worth it,” junior Liam Smith said. 

A big part of the Patriots’ success this year is their depth. 

“We wouldn’t be where we are without the team working together and working for one another. Our leaders have been Zach Ward, Adam Heskett, Matthew Christofferson, Nick Huchet, Liam Smith, Austin Scarlas, Brayden Escher, and Gabe Porter,” Nichols said.

Among this diverse group of leaders, a few have already qualified to swim at the state meet in November. 

“So far, our 200 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay have qualified for State. Gabe Porter has qualified in two events, while Zach Ward has qualified in one. Brayden Escher and Nick Hucher have qualified in Diving. I’m anticipating more boys qualifying as we wind down the season,” Nichols said. 

To swim at the state meet is an extremely challenging task, and many of these guys work hard year-round to hit the state times. 

“I’m looking forward to the season wrapping up.  I’m excited to see what the team will do as we move into the end of the year. I’m proud of what they’ve done so far, but I know they have so much more to achieve,” Nichols said.