When teachers ask Varsity members about their break, the word “tiring” will undoubtedly be uttered from their mouths. In contrast to the relaxing, slothful break that most students enjoy, the practices for the aquatic sport double up in intensity.

Sleeping in was hardly an option for these athletes. Swim practices generally started at 7:30 a.m. or 7:45 a.m. and went until 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays meant an hour of lifting after swimming, ending at 10:30 a.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays meant returning to the pool at 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for an additional mandatory swim practice.

“30 hours,” said senior Karen Mellott, upon reflecting the approximate time spent at the high school during break.

The hours spent in the pool were only exacerbated by the rigor of the training. The coaches take advantage of the lack of school by creating the hardest sets of the season for the swimmers.

“Winter training was draining, hard, and painful, but it was necessary for the season,” said Jose de Jesus Ramirez Maldonado, 11.

The purpose of the arduous training is to help Varsity swimmers reach their peak performance at the end of the season. Part of the group will start to taper or decrease their overall yardage in two weeks for GMCs , so it is important to pack in difficult practices earlier.

For now, swimmers can breathe a sigh of relief that the worst of the season is over.

“Winter training was a struggle, but we made it,” said Keegan Veraldo, 9.