Have you ever been a part of a team that has received a district runner-up award for the first time in the school’s history?

On November 1st, the team of 34 swimmers headed to St. Petersburg to compete in Districts at the North Shore Aquatic Complex. Among the 14 teams present were ODA’s rivals, Cardinal Mooney, St. Stephens Episcopal and Canterbury.

The swim team had a rough start to the season with the delayed rainy season, but that did not stop the swimmers at their meet.

“I think as a whole we stepped up and performed like we never have before and the results showed it. We’ve had one of the best seasons ODA has had in a long time” says Senior Captain Joie Eckhard.

Eight boys and six girls will be advancing to Regionals on Saturday November, 8 back at North Shore Aquatic Complex. Many of them will be swimming in multiple events.

74% of the team scored personal records on their swims; besides the many personal bests, swimmers also broke six school records.

• 200 Medley Relay: Charles Hayes, Zach Szmania, Matthew Leonard, and Laszlo Tengerdy
• 200 Freestyle: Sarsen Whatmore
• 100 Freestyle: Kate Patrice
• 100 Breaststroke: Zach Szmania
• 200 Freestyle Relay: Joie Eckhard, Imola Csendes, Amber Bond, and Kate Patrice
• 100 Backstroke: Charles Hayes

“I made it back to regionals in all of my events, and it is exciting to know that my relay team currently holds the school record for the 200 Medley Relay,” says sophomore Laszlo Tengerdy.

Overall, the girls team beat Cardinal Mooney by 25 points and Canterbury by one point, giving them the position of district runner-up. This recognition is the first award that the swim team has ever received.

When swim coach Michael Salmon heard that Out-of-Door was district runner-ups, he was actually convinced that they made a mistake. Coach Salmon went to ask the announcers if the team really did beat Cardinal Mooney and Canterbury.

Swimmers won’t soon forget Salmon’s teary eyes as he confirmed the accomplishments of the women’s team.