Bexley Swims into the State High School Championship
Photos by Kimarie Martin Photography
Aristotle once said, “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” This defines the BHS Aqua Lions. Every swimmer brings an important element to the team that contributes to record-breaking seasons, championship titles, and state finalists. What may appear to be an individual sport, on the surface, is anything but that. Swimmers thrive when they have the support and love of their coaches and fellow teammates. BHS Aqua Lions are no exception. The all for one team culture is what makes the excitement at meets and athletes performances that much more rewarding.
At the beginning of each season swimmers are asked for individual goals and team goals. The goal of our season then becomes making those a reality. We have a diverse range of swim experience. Newer swimmers who are mastering technique to more veteran swimmers who have been swimming since they were little: Bexley High School Swim Team has a place for everyone. Coaches work with ALL swimmers to ensure they get what they need, when they need it. This can come in small steps or big strides. As the swimmers work to achieve every milestone to be their personal best, they excel as a team. This past season, the girls posted a 24-2 mark, while the boys team finished with a 20-7 record. In many meets competing without their fastest swimmers, others stepped up to help the teams compete at a high level.
“It was amazing to watch people crush their old times. Winning was a collective
effort, and so many people scored points! I didn’t even know it was the first time in Bexley history that we won, but that makes it even more special. The best part of the day was when the whole team went up on the podium and took a picture together.”
Over the last two years, Bexley has increased their representation and success at championship meets, both individually and collectively. For the first time in school history, the BHS Lady Lions claimed Ohio Division Mid State League and Central, East, Southeast District team titles. On the boys side, many swimmers qualified for districts and one individually for states.
“There is so much love and support we have for each other! The Ohio high school State meet is highly regarded nationally in the swimming world — the energy of the fans and the camaraderie of the swimmers is something I will keep with me always.”
None of these achievements happen without the depth of efforts throughout the team. Personal bests drive each swimmer to higher levels of success and continue to fuel the overall culture and rewards. The chance to compete in the tournament motivates swimmers during training and helps them realize how close they are to both their individual goals and our team goals set at the beginning of the season.
The excitement that fills the air during meets is like no other. The swimmers love to cheer on their teammates, create enthusiasm and celebrate both individual and team accomplishments. We always are complimented on how engaged our team is for one another and the teams we swim against. The hugs, the high fives and the congratulations are unmatched.