This past April marked a monumental moment for the Firebirds Swim Team as they participated in their very first long-course swim meet at their home pool, Pullen Aquatic Center.

Over two sunny days, three young athletes dove headfirst into uncharted waters and came up with a wave of new records. In what was not only the team’s debut long course competition but also each swimmer's first ever long course meet, Firebirds athletes shattered expectations and made team history.

Skylar Rutherford, age 12, delivered a powerhouse performance in the Girls 11–12 division, writing the first Firebirds' 11-12 records in six different events:

100m Backstroke: 1:32.60

100m Breaststroke: 1:56.42

50m Freestyle: 36.23

100m Freestyle: 1:28.33

200m Freestyle: 3:18.44

200m IM: 3:47.91

Skylar’s range and endurance shone through, earning her a well-deserved spot in Firebirds’ early legacy as a versatile threat in the pool.

Dallas Smith, age 13, claimed his own trio of records in the Men's 13–14 division, making waves in sprint events:

50m Butterfly: 45.45 50m

Backstroke: 50.47

100m Freestyle: 1:24.36

Dallas’ grit and speed set the tone for what promises to be an exciting long-course season ahead.

Finally, in a standout performance from the Boys 7–8 division, an anonymous 8-year-old swimmer splashed into Firebirds history by setting four team records:

50m Backstroke: 1:09.82

100m Backstroke: 2:47.52 50m

Freestyle: 1:06.59

100m Freestyle: 2:47.52

Though the young swimmer chose to remain unnamed, his impact was loud and clear, proving that age is just a number when it comes to passion and performance.

Head Coach and team supporters beamed with pride as each swimmer took to the starting blocks, embraced the challenge of the Olympic-length pool, and left it all in the water.

With momentum building and confidence soaring, the Firebirds Swim Team has officially entered the long course arena. And if this first meet is any indication, their flight has only just begun.

RISE UP!!!