Though on paper the Aqua Bears swim and dive season is winding down, the busy schedule as of late has everything winding up, with another meet slated at the end of this week before state the following weekend.
 
Last Wednesday, Coach Kristina Nesbitt & Company competed at Pace and, with no rest for the weary, they took to the water again the following day at Wesleyan. 
 
"We had a rough time at Pace with many of our swimmers dropping out due to illnesses, but we had some bright spots," Coach Nesbitt said. "Madeline Brown's win in the 50 free, against some tough competition was a big bright spot, and though we ended up losing the meet, we still kept at it."
 
"Another big positive was Cole Brashier – we pulled him out of the 100 breaststroke and put him in the 500-free to score points. He'd never swum that event, but he was such a great teammate that he swam it with enthusiasm."
 
Moving to Thursday against Wesleyan and Lovett, the goal for the squad was to make state qualifying times – water weary or no.
 
And they did just that. Bobby Skyrnecki made the 50-free cut as the lead in the 200-free relays, Brown qualified for postseason in the 100-back, and there were also a lot of first place finishes and a number of PR's. As for Skyrnecki, he got things off to a great start in the relay by catching up and passing the Pace freestyler to give the Bears the win. 
 
Moving forward, the Last Chance Meet – again at Pace – is slated for this Friday and Saturday, with the state meet beginning January 31^st and going on the next two days as well.