Senior Jack Reed looks back on four years of swimming
Seniors Nicholas Albhorn, Jack Reed, Dylan Pachkovskiy, and Dillon Singer all are honored during the final day of the CHSAA Championships.
Jack Reed's swimming career at Monsignor Farrel ends with feelings of triumph
Although swimming is one of Monsignor Farrell's most competitive sports, some may overlook the sport. To swim, you must be talented, strong, and above all, determined to win. You must always strive to improve yourself and beat your best times, and the Farrell swim team does this with teamwork and encouragement.
Jack Reed may have been one of the embodiments of the drive and determination seen in the team over the course of his four years as a Lion.
Now, Reed, along with other seniors, will be departing after a great final season, ending with a high ranked team and a sense of community.
"I'm a little sad that the season is over," Reed said. "I love the team and I am going to miss them."
Jack Reed (left) stands with teammates for a photo during the Conrad Meibauer Scholarship fundraising event held this past fall.
Reed, one of the senior leaders on this year's team, wraps up his high school career with pride and a sense of fulfillment.
The team finished fourth this season in the CHSAA 'A' division and 12th in the state.
Specific achievements from Reed himself this season include a third-place finish at the CHSAA City Championships and a fourth-place finish at the State Championships -- both in the 50-yard freestyle. He was also a contributor in Farrell's wins this season against Kellenberg and St. Francis, both in the 100-meter butterfly, and Archbishop Molloy, winning the 200 medley relay.
Reed admits that his senior campaign didn't start off in the way he wanted, however, thanks to a couple of outings that left him disappointed. But things turned around, especially at season's end.
"I got it together for champs and put together a performance I am happy with," Reed said.
The senior members of the Monsignor Farrell swim team stand for a photo together during a dual meet against Xavier this past January.
Beyond stats and medals, the bonds formed between team members -- as well as the countless laps pushing one another to improve -- are what ended up to help make memorable experiences.
And that presents mixed emotions for Reed as he looks toward graduation.
"I am sad that I'm leaving the team behind, but Im happy that I put the team in a better position than where it was my freshman year," Reed said.
When next season comes around, there will be shoes for the underclassmen to fill. But they have seen first-hand what dedication looks like from swimmers like Reed -- and they've felt what it's like to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
And while Reed is off to college, he'll still be keeping tabs from the sidelines.
"Although I am not apart of the team anymore, I am excited to see what they do next year," he said.
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