The Clarence Boys Varsity Swim Team recently made waves at the state championship, representing their school with pride at the prestigious event. Under the guidance of Coach Tom, the team worked hard all season and delivered strong performances at states, capping off a season filled with growth, challenges, and triumphs.

Coach Tom explained that the team implemented a strategy known as tapering, which involved lightening the workload leading up to the competition. "You have to see how they're doing and determine how to train from there," Coach Tom said, emphasizing the importance of adjusting the training regimen based on the swimmers' progress and recovery needs. This method allowed the swimmers to conserve energy and peak at the right time, giving them their best chance to perform well at states.

The team’s dedication and self-motivation played a key role in their success. With none of the swimmers having competed at states before, excitement was running high as they approached the big event. "They were pretty excited," Coach Tom shared. "It was a big opportunity for them, and they were ready to rise to the challenge." Despite the pressure, the athletes displayed remarkable focus and determination, channeling their enthusiasm into impressive performances in the pool.

Reflecting on the season, Coach Tom acknowledged its ups and downs. "It's a very long season," he noted. "We started off strong, hit a low point in the middle, and then things really picked up again." He credited the team’s resilience for their ability to push through the mid-season struggles and finish on a high note. By the time the state competition arrived, several swimmers had achieved personal records (PRs), a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the season.

For the swimmers, the experience of competing at states was both exciting and educational. It provided a valuable opportunity to test themselves against some of the top athletes in New York, helping them gain confidence and build momentum for future seasons. Coach Tom believes that this experience will inspire his team to continue improving and setting higher goals moving forward.

The Clarence Boys Varsity Swim Team’s strong mindset and hard work carried them through a memorable season, ending on a high note with their impressive showing at the state championship. The swimmers are already looking ahead, eager to build on this year’s success and make an even bigger splash next season.