For Hamilton Southeastern Alumni Jack Waren, swimming wasn’t just a sport, it was a lifelong passion that started in the neighborhood pool when he was just four years old.
“I grew up swimming for the club swim team Southeastern Swim Club and enjoyed the sport ever since then.” said Waren. His journey being defend with perseverance, discipline, and a deep commitment towards the team.
The transition to high school was met with challenges, the season was approached by Covid. Which limited team connection throughout the season.
“The biggest challenges my first season was adapting to the tougher competition and training environment” said Waren “while lacking usual team connection due to Covid-related restrictions.” With these obstacles the first year wasn’t so easy, but Waren used these obstacles as motivation.
As his seasons continued, he realized his bet memories weren’t always made within the pool but made with his team outside of it.
“My most memorable moments from the team were out of the water when we would get together. A particular favorite would be the team dinner before sectionals.” Explained Waren. “Being able to connect and have fun with the team before the end of the season was a great mental boost to give extra motivation to succeed for the teams at the meet that weekend.” Said Waren.
Being a student-athlete came with challenges. Waren said “At some points it was challenging and limited other social activities I could do. It was worth as the learning how to manage your time allows you to achieve more things.”
Being a part of a team at Hamilton Southeastern shaped the sense of discipline, teamwork, and leadership.
“Being on the team built discipline because even when I didn’t want to wake up for practice I had to for the team.” said Waren. “Doing this built up my tolerance to do hard things. For me working with teammates built up my ability to lead.” explained Waren.
“The long seasons of hard work leading to a payoff at the end of season meets helped build my work ethic for longer term projects.” Said Waren. “The experience of the training from September not fully paying off till February with sectionals and state now helps me focus on a challenging college class for a whole semester knowing it will come together at the end.”
Waren’s journey in swimming has left a lasting impact, not only within his life but the teammates and coaches as well. His story of perseverance, teamwork, and the drive to be better will leave a lasting effect within the swim team.
