Boys’ swimming continues it’s last few weeks of training focusing on preparing for the teams last meet, Sections.

Assistant coach Joe Yaegar and head coach Amanda Forsberg have been adding longer distances to the practices in preparation for peak week, meaning harder practices with more yards, and eventually taper, meaning easier practices with a decrease in yards.

According to Yaegar the swim team has started peek week with varsity is averaging 6000 yards a practice and jv is averaging 5200 yards a practice.

These numbers will continue to increase until taper, which decreases yardage so they will be well rested for their races. Due to the extra rest from taper the boys are expected to have their fastest races of the season.  The boys record is 7-1 with sections up next.

“Benilde St. Margaret’s is always a tough one to win and Richfield is a complete unknown right now,” Yaegar said.

Alec Pittman, freshman and varsity swimmer since seventh grade, has seen the hard work in practice pay off for the team and plans for it to pay off in the upcoming meets.

“I believe we’ll continue to improve and will win both meets. Overall our training will push us over them and our stamina and mindset are stronger,” Pittman said.

Pittman has noticed the more challenging practices and realizes it means peak week won’t be too far along.

“We’re doing some really hard sets, double dryland, crazy weight training with Joe, and overall just more intense practices, all mentally preparing us to be ready to go fast,” Pittman said.

Peak week will start in about three weeks and taper will last anywhere from eight to 10 days, all leading up to the boys section meet on Feb. 26 and 28th at Art Downey Aquatic Center in Edina.