Swimmers prepare for Sections

Junior synchro participant Emma Breyak arrives at school every morning at 6:15 to practice for the upcoming dress rehearsal.

Practicing almost every day has led the team to win all six of its meets this season, according to head coach Linda Gust. Gust said by the time of the dress rehearsal, the routines and the swimmers should be mostly prepared for Sections.

“Everything we do is in preparation for Sections and State,” Gust said.

Senior captain Aerianna Thomas said the dress rehearsal allows swimmers to experience what it will be like performing at Sections.

“We have our routine suits on and our hair is gelled. Sometimes they turn off the lights and put spotlights on us,” Thomas said.

According to Gust, the goal of the rehearsal is for everyone to swim to the best of their ability.

“As long as everyone has their very best swim, Sections turns out how it’s supposed to,” Gust said.

Thomas said the dress rehearsal takes place right before sections and provides a last chance for the team to perfect its routines.

“It’s our last day to see what we need to fix on our suits or headpieces,” Thomas said.  

According to Gust, parents, friends and coaches watch the routines and give the swimmers feedback on how to improve, and the swimmers can identify mistakes to fix before Sections. Gust said the dress rehearsal provides new swimmers with experience performing in front of an audience.

“Having people there watching is actually a big help. It helps us get into the atmosphere of what (Sections) is going to be like,” Thomas said.

Thomas said the team feels pressure to perform its best during the dress rehearsal, however she said the swimmers enjoy performing for friends and family.

“It’s a really fun day. We also take our pictures and stuff — we’re all in our suits and our makeup is done,” Thomas said.

Gust said the dress rehearsal is a great way to see what the synchro team worked on during its season.

“It’s just a special practice where everyone gets to show off,” Gust said.

The dress rehearsal takes place at 4 p.m. May 17 at Park. Sections takes place at 5 p.m. May 19 at Olson Middle School and at 8:30 a.m. May 21 at Southview Middle School.