The EHS swim team is hoping to make a big splash tonight as they take on the Penn Kingsmen at 6 p.m. at the Aquatic Center downtown.

However, with COVID-19 concerns, one wonders how this will affect the swim meets. Will there be more space between the swimmers? Will they have staggered start times? Will they compete at all!

As it turns out, most of the changes will affect the spectators more than the swimmers. Due to the increased COVID concerns, no more than two family members per swimmer will be admitted. And, all must wear masks. Moreover, all must position themselves at least two seats apart from one another, unless they are family related.

But, what about the athletes themselves? As it turns out, they have an unseen ally on their team: chlorine. This chemical kills germs, bacteria, and viruses. This means it will kill all the virus and germs that hit the water. Anyone who’s in it, therefore, is unlikely to contract COVID-19. Therefore, as long as swimmers stay in their lanes, the meet should go “swimmingly.” However, outside the water, the athletes must physically distance themselves so as not to get too close to each other when talking, coughing, or catching their breath after a race. “Swimmers must have masks up unless they are swimming,” clarifies Elkhart-East teammate Christian Khamkeuang, a freshman.

If all practice these safety measures, then there is a better chance of finishing out their season. The rise in COVID-19 cases, however, puts their competition in question. Khamkeuang shares his concerns as a first-year member of the team. “Will sports still go on?” he wonders. “Many people think that they will get canceled this year, and I’m one that will have to agree with that.” Khamkeuang concludes, saying, “I really hope I’m wrong…”