The whistle sounds as the swimmers focus.

“Swimmers, take your mark.”

Crouching into position, they prepare to dive in.

Beeeeep.

And they’re gone. Gone in hopes of winning gold.

The Tigersharks made waves at their district meet on Jan. 24-25. Finishing first overall, the team broke seven district records. Qualifying for regionals, they will compete again Friday and Saturday.

Taking home two gold medals and a fourth place advancement, senior girls’ captain Madeleine Pellegrin helped break two district records: the girls’ 200 yard medley relay and girls’ 100 yard breaststroke. Although slightly disappointed that she didn’t get an even better time, Pellegrin is still positive about the future of the team.

“I think we all did really well,” Pellegrin said. “I’m expecting a lot of people to go to state from regionals. We’re going to have a strong state team. I’m hoping for top ten.”

Personal records were also achieved by freshman Cathryn Payne in the girls’ 200 yard IM, where she won silver. Payne also received bronze in the girls’ 100 yard butterfly.

“I was really excited because I got my best times,” Payne said. “I hope to keep dropping time, and make it to the second day [of regionals].”