He panics as he steps up to dive into the water for his first heat. Senior Ethan Wilson remembers his techniques before his race preparing him for the next 26 seconds of his life as he swims for first. The buzzer sounds and his fears disappear as he hits the water head first, his arms automatically beginning their routine strokes propelling him through the water.

On Nov. 29, the swim and dive team competed in Siloam Springs at John Brown University in a swim meet. This was their third non-conference swim and dive meet of the season.

In their second meet, the boy’s swim team took second behind Bentonville while the girl’s swim team took sixth.

“Based on our previous performance, I know both of the teams will do well,” said girl’s swim captain senior Payton Hanby.

This year, the swim has two new additions different from last season. A dive team has formed including seniors Ethan Wilson and Haley Jones. New assistant coach Jillian Young has also joined the coaching staff.

Coach Young was an All-State backstroke swimmer in college brining a competitive aspect to the team and more

“Coach Young has a lot of experience in swimming so she brings a competitive spirit as well as skills from being in so many competitions,” said Hanby.

At the meet there was over 20 events for swimmers to compete in and 16 competing schools. The boy’s swim team took third and the girls placed in ninth place. The swim team received sixth place overall.

Third year swimmer junior John Kirschner competed in the 500 meter free and 100 meter butterfly.

“The boy’s team has gotten much better from where we were,” said Kirschner. “We have more experience this year.”

At the meet 26 divers competed. Each diver is required to perform six dives. At his first dive competition, Wilson placed fourth.

“I had more time to get down the mechanics of the dives for this meet,” said Wilson. “My goal was just to do better than last time.”