The official Fort Lauderdale High School swimming and diving season started on August 18, the first day of school, to great anticipation by members of the swim and dive teams.

“It’s good to be back,” shared Kyle Weiner (12). “Last year, our season was shortened, and we didn’t have any new swimmers. Now, it feels like a brand-new beginning.”

After a campaign of recruitment among the students of FLHS was spearheaded by Head Coach Adam Drucker, new faces are finally being seen.

“We are thrilled to have so many new freshmen and sophomore swimmers participating this year,” said Coach Drucker. “Our team is working hard and swimming fast and it’s exciting!”

Unfortunately, while the new members of the team were present for the first few weeks of the season, the weather wasn’t. The first two meets were delayed due to thunder and lightning, which caused multiple meets to be scheduled back-to-back.

The first meet finally happened on Monday, September 13, against West Broward, McArthur, and Blanche Ely High Schools. The Flying L’s proved themselves to be the superior team by winning by more than 50 points.

“We’ve all been looking forward to this,” commented Emi Vallejo (12). “It just wasn’t the same during the Covid protocols. This feels like our first real swim meet in two years.”

The following day, FLHS faced off against Pines Charter. Before the first race began, the team had a meeting to discuss their opponents.

“Pines Charter is a challenge,” announced team captain Keith Rogers (11). “They have multiple club swimmers who’ve been swimming for years. But we can, and [will], beat them.”

The captain’s pep talk was backed up by a Flying L win right after.

The mid-season competition ended with a competitive meet against Plantation and Pompano Beach High Schools.

While only three meets have occurred, the team is optimistic about setting individual records and enjoying the season. Kylie Bennet (11) swam two best times to start off the season.

“I swam best times in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle,” she said. “It’s motivating me to keep swimming harder.”