Long before the starting buzzer sounds, Sunnyslope’s swim team already sets the tone for the season; not with strokes in the pool, but with the traditions that tie generations of swimmers together.
From lighthearted rituals to heartfelt routines, these customs are as much a part of the team’s identity as the water itself.
Sophomore Eva Martin noted that “a tradition that was surprising and exciting when I first joined was our Viking Chant. It was a bit intimidating and weird but it’s fun.”
Swim Coach Cameron Licht said “I would say traditions help create a team bond that can help them motivate and cheer each other on.”
That sense of connection often shows up in the team’s rowdy moments, when chants echo louder than splashes.
Not every tradition is intimidating though, some are just about keeping swimmers spirits high before they hit the water.
Freshman Aaron Smith mentioned how excited he is for pregame talks and chants because it gets everyone ready.
Beyond chants and meets, swimmers get a chance to connect over a meal.
Licht describes these team dinners as “a way for swimmers to bond and connect outside of the normal swim environment.”
For many, those lighter moments are what make the team feel welcoming and keep nerves in check.
Smith said, “I think the traditions help by making us feel welcomed and helping us get a feel for what it’s like to compete in the swim meets.”
Other traditions lean into the unique culture of swimming itself, the kind that might seem unusual to outsiders but mean everything to the athletes.
Licht explained that the weirdest tradition was “Probably the shave down party where the swimmers get together to eat and to shave their arms and legs (and sometimes heads) for the district championship meet, which tends to be the last big meet for a lot of swimmers and divers.”
Even though it may sound strange, that quirky ritual has become a favorite because of the fun it brings.
Martin reciprocated this feeling when she said “The shave party, because it’s really, I feel like it’s really unique, and I feel like it sounds kind of weird but it’s our kinda weird tradition and everyone has fun — it helps us swim faster.”
Some athletes even take it to the next level, like Senior Bode Pangborn.
“The shave party is such a fun tradition for the team and always has something eventful happen, last year I even buzzed my head at it,” said Pangborn.
And with every cheer, meal, or pre-meet ritual, the swimmers feel more like part of something bigger than themselves.
Smith explained how the passed down traditions helped people feel like they were contributing to Sunnyslope history.
That sense of legacy is what helps keep these traditions alive, as they continue to spark joy and motivation every new year.
Licht highlighted how traditions “help create a team bond that motivates them and helps each other cheer for each other.”
For Sunnylope swimmers, traditions like these help remind them that a season is more than just a time on a stopwatch; it’s about connection and growing together. Even the strangest and quirkiest rituals can raise the spirits of these hardworking athletes. In the end, it’s these traditions that keep the team motivated, connected, and ready to do their best.
