They walk to the locker room to suit up; as they step into the warm and open room, they breathe in the familiar smell of chlorine.

“Every time I talk to seniors who are graduating, they tell me how much they are going to miss the team and swimming at IKE. This year, it’s weird to know what they mean. I’m going to miss it,” senior captain Amanda Hudson said. “This alumni meet is such a great idea, because the swimmers can come back.

For the first time, alumni had the opportunity to race current members on the swim team. The meet took place last Friday.

“I’m extremely excited for this meet and to swim against the alumni,” varsity swimmer Govanni Gjonaj said. “I miss my captains from last year and I can’t wait to see and swim against them.”

Swimmers organized the meet in order to raise money for the men’s swim fund. They anticipate a large alumni turnout, according to Gjonaj.

“I think this is such a great idea. It is a fun and entertaining way for the swim team to raise money,” Hudson said. “I have been swimming with IKE all four years and I’ve met a lot of great people who graduated throughout that time. I hope a lot of them come back to swim against and also support the guys.”