The humidity is the first thing that hits you when you step into the pool. It’s a warm blanket that envelops, providing relief from winter’s plague of cold and dry air. The relief is short-lived, soon replaced with chlorine, sweat, and sore muscles.
On the whiteboard, a set is written: “10×100 Freestyle, best average.” The warm-up begins and afterward, the grind to beat Inter-Ac rivals Germantown Academy, Malvern Prep, Penn Charter, and Episcopal Academy.
This year, the Fords look to win big at Easterns and maintain their aquatic excellence in the Inter-Ac league. On Tuesday, December 10th, the team took on Germantown Academy on the Patriots’ home turf. While the Fords performed well, GA prevailed by a score of 96.5-90.5. Still, the Fords took home valuable lessons.
Two years ago, Haverford was set to win the dual meet against GA until GA’s coach successfully petitioned meet officials to disqualify the Fords’ 400 relay win, the final event of the meet. The disqualification, due to excessive celebration and unsportsmanlike conduct, occurred when a Haverford swimmer, celebrating his leg of the race, fell off a lane line and into another lane while swimmers were still actively competing.
While the disqualification was technically correct, it was seen by many as a cheap way to win, especially given that GA swimmers often celebrated in similar fashion and the celebration did not impact any swimmers competing. The disqualification cost the Fords the meet win and the Inter-Ac Championship that year.
“I’d say we are in a great place, both physically and mentally.”
Cameron Smith ’25
Last year the Haverford v. GA dual meet resulted in a tie.
The outcome of the last two duel meets has only amplified the ongoing rivalry against Germantown Academy, so emotions were heightened heading into this first duel meet of the season.
Despite their loss, many Fords took home individual victories. The team had a strong start, winning the first event, the 200 medley relay. This was followed by Fifth Former Jack Grimley winning the 200 freestyle and Sixth Former Zach Oswald placing first in the 200 IM and the 100 butterfly. Sixth Form co-captain Cameron Smith won the 100 backstroke while Grimley had another great race, taking first in the 500 freestyle.
“GA had swimmers who placed second and third, so while we won events, GA earned more points,” Smith said.
In diving, Sixth Form captain William Suter led the team in a close matchup.
“While we didn’t get the result we wanted, losing by only a couple of points, I’d say we are in a great place, both physically and mentally,” Smith said.
“The takeaway from tonight is to turn all of our negative energy from this loss into useful motivation.”
Cameron Smith ’25
This year the team was required to read the book, Don’t Believe Everything You Think, by Joseph Nguyen, about the power of mindset in enabling one’s body to perform at its best. A strong mindset is the theme for the team this year. Coming out of this meet, it is clear the team’s goal-oriented focus has improved tremendously.
“It was sad losing to GA, but I have hopes that this season can be one of the best ever. The takeaway from tonight is to turn all of our negative energy from this loss into useful motivation,” Smith said.
Haverford will next take on Malvern on December 17th before moving on to meets against Penn Charter and Episcopal Academy in the new year.