Flex Block In Sync

Students create the high school’s first synchronized swimming team

Eamonn Furey, Raider Zone Reporter|March 13, 2023

Abby Hahnenberg, Addie Weingart, Kelsey Rogers, Sarah Dillenbeck, Josie Kuhel

Six students are taking advantage of Flex Block to work on their choreography – while holding their breath under water.

These students are members of the high school’s first synchronized swimming team. The team practices weekly but currently does not compete. “The synchro team is not super competitive, and since this is its first year and most of us are beginners, I just don’t think we’re quite ready to compete,” freshman synchronized swimmer Abby Hahnenberg said.

Math teacher Courtney Lindsay is the head coach. “During practice I teach them moves, and they practice routines,” Lindsay said. “The routines are difficult because they are beginners but also because they are treading water the whole time and can’t touch the bottom.”

Synchronized swimming requires athletes to move and dance together while in the pool. Swimmers perform a choreographed, rehearsed show along with music of choice. The first American based national championship was held in 1946. The first recorded competition was held in Berlin in 1891.

The swimmers have to be perfect in both their choreography and teamwork. “The hardest part of synchronized swimming is following along with a beat or music, especially under water,” Hahnenberg said.

The team practices at Woodbury Elementary School, where all high school aquatics teams practice because the high school does not have a pool. Practices are held during the second Flex Block period on Tuesdays, and anyone who has time and an interest is welcome to join, according to Lindsay. “Everyone is welcome whether they have experience or not,” she said.

The team decides the music they want to play and dance to. “We did one where the players chose the song, and another where we collectively chose the song – ‘The Schuyler Sisters’ from ‘Hamilton,’ ” Lindsay said.

Hahnenberg said that the team members gain experience by learning how to communicate and work with one another. “My favorite aspect about the team is the people. They are really fun, and I enjoy the team aspect,” she said.

Some team members also compete for the high school’s swimming and diving teams. “We learn more skills or we work on building routines,” sophomore swimmer, diver and synchronized swimmer Addie Weingart said.

Synchronized swimming is one of the many Flex Block activities that students can participate in. The high school introduced Flex Block this year in hopes of giving students a chance to participate in more clubs, activities and internships. From 2:05-4 p.m., Flex Block has two periods, each for 55 minutes, so students can participate in at least two activities after the final class period of the day.

Weingart said that she enjoys the friendliness of everyone on the team and looks forward to the program growing. She said, “Everyone is super nice and there are no problems with the club.”