ST. PETERSBURG — Saturday at North Shore Pool, Palm Harbor University’s girls swim team was cheering vociferously from the deck.
Not so uncommon, right? Well, they were rooting on the final swimmer of Pinellas Park High’s 200-yard freestyle team who was a fair distance behind the pack.
That’s what makes the Total Team Challenge relays special. Unity of team and community is more important than results.
“There’s only one meet like this,” St. Petersburg senior Charli Baden said. “We’re here to be very spirited, dress up in costumes, have a good time and cheer.”
Northeast junior captain Ian White added, “We’ve been here since 6:30 a.m. (the meet started at 9) and we keep going until we’re hoarse.”
Well-practiced chants, synchronized splashing and impromptu multi-school in-water conga lines create a cacophony of sound that judges have to grade.
The genesis of the event came in 1990. Northeast and Winter Park spent a thunder delay cheering to each other in the gym and a lightbulb appeared over Northeast head coach Bill Burrows.
“We decided the kids needed a team-unified beginning to their season, something that was low-pressure where they could have a good time competing. The focus is on spirit and sportsmanship, and that’s intentional.”
The kids embraced the concept and looked to win. Signs, props and outfits based on school nicknames appeared — Viking horns, sharks and such.
“The most unusual one I saw was a salmon costume that a swim team borrowed from their football team mascot,” said White, who saw his wish of a 3A spirit championship come true, Northeast’s first in 20-plus years.
Shorecrest (1A), Lakewood (2A), St. Petersburg (4A) and Palm Harbor (overall) were the other spirit winners among the 21 schools.
“It’s tough to have the favorite part of my season so early,” PHU senior Morgan Perrotti said, “but it’s a great kickoff to a great season. It’s a lot of fun.”
Perrotti joined Caroline Ward and Julia Gawlik to set a 200 fly meet record (1:51.28) and lead the Hurricanes to the girls title. Tampa Prep’s 100 medley relay of Caroline Brown, Savannah Scott, seventh-grader Ava Carter and Hannah Fredlake set a meet mark of 51.96 as part of its second-place finish.
Charlotte took the boys crown with PHU and Tampa Prep following close behind.