The newest varsity sport at George Mason High School is about to take to the water this Saturday in their first home meet of the season. After holding “club” status at the school for two years, the swimmers of the George Mason Swim Team will now be officially recognized as varsity athletes. The school has not had a varsity swim team in over twenty years.

Saturday’s meet pits the Mustangs against fellow Single A rivals Strasburg and Clarke County in a tri-meet. The meet will take place at the Dunn Loring YWCA beginning at 10:30 a.m. Other swim meets on the Mason schedule include AA schools Freedom, Broad Run, Briar Woods and Massanutten Military.

The team will be coached by GMHS alumnus Jon-Michael Lemon, as well as organized by Janie Nette. With a number of swimmers returning from the past two years, along with several newcomers, the Mustang squad of 36 hopes to have a great year in its first varsity letter season.  

However, the coaches are taking this year seriously. The team has been practicing four times a week since the middle of November, which includes strength conditioning and weight training, as well as time in the water at the Dunn Loring YMCA, their home pool.

Because the team attained varsity status after the 2006-07 school budget was set, the team has had to hold fundraisers to cover the cost of team equipment, pool rental and uniforms. Donations of stop watches, a laptop computer and specialized swim meet software have also been received. Mrs. Nette notes that the team will have to depend on parent volunteers to help run and organize the meets.

If you are interested in volunteering or contributing to the team, you can contact Janice Nette at nettej@fccps.org.