![Phoenix gets in position to initiate the beginning of an intense game. “It's coming to the end of the season here, so [our goal] is to just focus on working harder,” senior lineman Ryan Abbondanza said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DSC_0042-1200x800.jpg)
Starting the season with a 4-1 record, the Rock Ridge swim team had an away meet on Saturday, Jan. 17, against the Tuscarora Huskies. The Phoenix won the meet with an overall score of 346-214.
The meet was senior night, which was a way to help commemorate everything the seniors did for the Phoenix swim team. “I think it was a great way for our school to recognize our seniors and celebrate them for all their hard work and everything they did for the swim team for the past four years or less,” freshman Jake Zhang said.
Individually, the boys won their swim meet with a score of 197-77. The girls also won their meet with a total score of 149-137.
Rock Ridge also qualified for Districts at this meet. “I was really glad that we [made it to districts], because I didn’t think the girls [would make] it, but we pushed through,” freshman Trisha Rout said.
Along with the team winning, individuals also improved and placed. “I got 3rd in my 500 freestyle, and I dropped some time,” Freshman Kylie Santos said.
Other swimmers also improved their times with the encouragement of their teammates. “I made some new personal records and I think that went pretty well,” senior Kriti Narsin said. “I dropped 3 seconds in the 100 backstroke and 1 second in the 50 freestyle. Right now [my freestyle] is at 27 seconds, which means a lot to me because my team was there for me the entire way and supported me through every single stroke.”
“There was a lot of encouragement,” sophomore Tyler Bultema said. “I was impressed with the amount of people there, like all the people cheering us on. I was proud of us.”
The motivating environment inspired more than just Bultema.“Everyone always cheers. Swimming is one of those very supportive sports. Everyone is always involved. It’s great,” Santos said.
To celebrate the seniors, the team was split up into groups to make personal posters with gifts for each senior, and then the seniors dove into the pool. “The atmosphere was very fun and exciting because it was fun to make the posters [of the seniors] and see the seniors swim,” Rout said.
Seniors were also recognized by the administration along with their teammates, making a memorable senior night for the class of ‘26. “Principal Duellman and Mr. McNanley came over to announce our names and shake our hands during our walk, during senior night,” Narsin said. “They also gave us blankets that say R.R. [for Rock Ridge]. They were really supportive. Their coming to senior night was really supportive of them to come by and congratulate us.”
The Rock Ridge swim team has cultivated a community that provides guidance and allows swimmers to grow their love for the sport, leaving seniors bittersweet to leave. “I’m pretty sad,” Narsin said. “I love to swim. I love to do this as a hobby and I love all the memories I’ve made through it too, so I’m a little upset, but I’m happy that I got to be able to have 4 years with my coaches who I love very much.”
The Phoenix swim team’s record is now 5-1, and they’re 6th place in the VHSL Class 4 with their next matchup against the Lightridge Bolts on Sat. Jan. 24.
