Cary Swim Club hosted its final meet of the 2019 season last night, against Walden Creek.

Three seniors for Cary Swim Club, were honored before the meet.

Florencia Loncán (will attend University of North Carolina)

Steven Powell (will attend Duke University)

Natalie Johnson (will attend University of South Carolina)

Even though the seniors were honored atop the blocks, well away from the water, one of them (Loncán) couldn’t escape the ceremonial bucket of ice water to the back.

The consummate good sport, she took it in stride, and even had a big smile for The Pāpur afterwards.

Also in attendance at last night’s meet, were several members of the N.C. State football team. They came out to meet and greet the fans, sign autographs, and even participated in the adult relays which are always a fun part of the event.

Looking to finish the season strong, many of the swimmers were pushing themselves harder than ever. Jolie Douglas, a first year swimmer, won her first heat of the season, and we think her face says it all.

Wrapping up the season is bittersweet for the kids, as well as the parents.

The kids will miss the competition, and the fun times hanging out with 200 of their closest friends every day.

They’ll miss the Dairy Queen after parties, pasta pump ups, pies in the faces of coaches, and the copius amounts of concession stand goodies.

The kids won’t miss the tough practices and time missed reading a good book.

For the parents, well, its sorta the same. They’ll miss watching their kids compete.

The parents will miss the new friends they’ve made, and the old friends they were able to see again. They’ll miss the time spent with family, waiting on the next heat.

But let’s face it, the parents and coaches are tired. They’ve been giving so much of their time for the last eight weeks, driving to and from practices, volunteering at meets and other events. For many of them, it’s time to get back to life outside the pool.

We close out our coverage of the 2019 Cary Swim Club, with this final image. A shot of the team, coaches, and parents, all savoring the last moments of a special thing.

And just like that, it’s over. The cheers, the tears, the ups and the downs.

Until next year…