Ohio University’s varsity swimmers aim to be first, but for another swimming team, the goal is unity in motion.
OU’s synchronized swimming team will host its annual performance at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Aquatic Center.
Katie Schmuhl, a junior studying communication and science disorder, said although she swam competitively in high school, this is her first year on the synchronized swimming team.
“I’ve always loved the water,” she said. “I thought synchronized swim would be a good way to enjoy the water without the pressure of competition.”
Schmuhl said that a;though one might associate synchronized swimming with classical music, she and the team are excited to share their unconventional performance entitled “Chart Toppers.”
“This is a bit different then your classic synchronized swim,” she said. “We’ll be swimming to Bon Jovi, Glee, Britney Spears and more.”
Kate Stephens, a senior studying specialized studies, said she finds joy in watching the team grow and evolve as the newcomers perform for their first times.
“I’ve been on the team for four years now,” she said. “I’m excited to see the rookies perform their first show as I go out performing my last.”
The key to synchronized swimming is having a good time, Schmuhl added.
“I like to say we dance and drown in water,” she said. “It’s weird to float on your back and put your legs in the air. But once you get used to it, it’s pretty easy.”
The Freshman Involvement Fair drew her to the sport when she came to OU, Stephens said. She added that the team members have one thing in common.
“What is really unique about our team is that no one had done synchronized swimming before coming to Ohio University,” she said. “It’s really cool that us seniors got to teach the rookies since we learned from the ones who graduated before us.”
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