The school’s swim and dive team kicked off its year with a lively pre-season scrimmage against Richard Mongomery on Nov. 29 at the Gaithersburg Indoor Swim Center. Although the meet didn’t count toward official standings, it provided the team with its first real test of the season, giving swimmers and divers a chance to shake off the rust and settle into a competitive rhythm. Coaches used the meet to evaluate technique, relay combinations and pacing, while athletes focused on getting used to racing under pressure again.
Warmups finally started after half an hour of waiting. “We got in, and it was freezing cold, and the pool felt so silky, but it was a slow pool. It just felt so slow. I was the first event of the meet, the 200 medley relay,” sophomore Arousha Dolatabadi said.
The meet also came with the usual scrimmage disorganization. Swimmers missed their events and relay legs shifted at the last minute, yet still the team was more focused on getting comfortable in competition mode again instead of worrying about times or results. The goal of a scrimmage is practice, and the team treated it that way.
What did stand out was the contrast in spirit between the two teams. This school usually has strong themes and coordinated gear at major meets, but this time, the team came without anything planned. Across the pool, RM embraced its theme completely. “Their theme was gold rush. They were all in gold, they had cowbells, they had everything and I’m pretty sure they won, even though it’s a scrimmage. And we just had no patriotic theme or anything. I feel like more people need to contribute to being more patriotic, but we did have a lot of cheering. It was rumbling because it was super loud,” Dolatabadi said.
Though the team lacked the visual spirit, the support within the team was evident. Teammates crowded the sidelines to cheer during every heat, creating a loud and constant presence. Team dynamics have developed quickly before the season has even officially started. “Personally, I think the team is perfect right now. Everyone is cheering for each other and everyone is welcoming new teammates. The team is looking forward to the upcoming season. At the scrimmage, the entire team would be at the sidelines cheering for the swimmers,” sophomore Yeszhan Mukhangaliev said.
The positive energy has carried into regular practices, where swimmers have started focusing on improving individual events and strengthening relay groups. Settling in early is key, knowing that early-season meets often set the tone for championship season later in the winter. Beyond performance, the team has formed a tight-knit community. “I’m looking forward to making new memories with my friends,” sophomore Tavishi Ghosh Dastidar said.
The scrimmage revealed areas that still need attention, but it also showed that the Patriots have a strong foundation of support. With the first official meets approaching, the school enters the season with rising energy and a team culture that continues to grow stronger.
