The Mustangs held their annual senior night with a home meet against Lake Park on Wednesday. 15 seniors were honored at this meet celebrating their last year of being a part of the team. This heartwarming event was covered in Mustang spirit with balloons, streamers, and an arch-way of kickboards. Each senior was introduced by sharing their thoughts on their swim and diving career.

“It is really bittersweet because I have so many great memories swimming,” senior Sarah Rush said. “I love all the girls so it is really fulfilling but at the same time very sad.”

At this meet accomplishments were made, with senior diver Callie Karsten and senior swimmer Jess Vogt both completing season bests. Vogt swam her fastest 100-yard freestyle at the meet making this special event even more meaningful to her. Karsten was also able to receive her highest score for a 6 dive meet earning 170.85 points.

“I went my season-best for the 100 freestyle so that was really exciting for senior night because I really wanted to,” Vogt said. “It made everything a bit more emotional.”

After the 50 yard freestyle the girls’ got ready to honor the seniors in a ceremony. The seniors’ parents joined them as the team formed an arch out of kickboards that each senior would walk through while parents and other teammates cheered. The meaning of being a compassionate Mustang showed through during this ceremony with the fans and team congratulating all the seniors.

“It feels like I just started diving at Metea,” Karsten said. “It is kinda weird that it is my last home meet, and I am not really processing it but then it also hits me that this is it.”

With 15 seniors on the team this year, it gave reassurance for the challenging aspects of swimming and diving, as well as a model for the underclassmen who have just begun their journey in high school. The atmosphere during senior night encouraged the girls to keep going even through the hard times.

“Make friends with everyone you meet because there are so many people that I have just begun to get close with just this year that have been on the team for years past,” Rush said. “My biggest regret would be not getting to know them.”

The Mustangs next meet is up against Naperville Central this Tuesday.