(COVINGTON, La.) The St. Paul’s Aqua Wolves appear to have a strong season ahead of them, taking first and second place in their first three meets of the season, due to their hard work and dedication.

Ask any St. Paul’s student, and he will tell how frequently he hears Handel’s “Water Music” playing during assemblies. For those who may not be acquainted with SPS culture, the “Water Music” is played at many President’s Assemblies right before President Bro. Ray Bulliard tells everyone the accomplishments of the Aqua Wolves.

“Swimming isn’t like other sports,” sophomore Jesse Cheng said. “The dedication I see swimmers bestow upon the sport is truly amazing. We may not be in the water for a long time, but in every race you put 100% in it. When you’re behind that block, you recall waking up for 4 a.m. practice, and grudgingly slumping out of bed.”

Aqua Wolves training usually starts with warm-ups (like any practice would), then transitions into intense sets of lap swimming. The lap swimming consists of various different strokes at various different distances. The specific strokes change from day to day between backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke, freestyle and medley relay races. Practice usually ends with a cool down, which is a low intensity swim to help relax muscles and help them recover.

“Practices are usually pretty hard, but they’re pretty fun. It’s actually one of the only (sports) practices I’ve enjoyed,” Cheng said.

After winning gold in their two most recent meets, and silver in their first one, the Aqua Wolves have a high morale and are motivated to keep winning. With several up-and-coming stars and returning place winners, the year ahead looks bright, and SPS students can look forward to hearing “Water Music” at many more assemblies in the future.

For the Aqua Wolves meet schedule and results board, click here.