The SHS swim team kicked off the postseason by placing first in sectionals. They have high hopes to do well at the upcoming district meet this Saturday, Feb. 15. Brothers Andrew and Lucas Yagour have contributed to the team all season in order to make it to the postseason.

This weekend in the district meet, Lucas and Andrew Yagour are both racing the 100 butterfly stroke and Andrew Yagour is also racing the 100 backstroke, 200 medley relay and 200 free relay.

Swim Coach David Perchinske said that the team is working towards winning the district meet and making it to the state meet while hoping to help the athletes gain valuable life skills extending beyond the pool.

“The goal for the men’s swim team is to grow individually, striving to reach personal bests while contributing to the team’s collective success,” Perchinske said.

Perchinske also said the team has grown closely knit, especially with senior Andrew Yagour and his brother, sophomore Lucas Yagour.

“Drew and Luke are standout swimmers known for their incredible work ethic and natural leadership abilities,” Perchinske said. “They inspire others with their drive and determination, creating an atmosphere of teamwork and motivation that lifts the entire team to perform at their best.”

Andrew and Lucas Yagour’s father swam throughout high school and college which is where Andrew Yagour found his main inspiration, and the love for swimming was passed down to Lucas Yagour.

“I would never have swam in high school if [Andrew] wasn’t on the team,” Lucas said. “Now that I know how great the team is, I am so glad that he got me to swim.”

Lucas Yagour said it helps a lot to have an older brother on the team as someone he looks up to and strives to be like.

“The encouragement and constant flow of advice that he has for me is definitely helpful,” Lucas Yagour said. “I am very inspired by Drew and all that he has accomplished in his time swimming.”

Andrew Yagour said that he enjoys having a sibling in the same sport because it can create a friendly competition and a close bond.

“A sibling can be very motivating because they’re in more aspects of your life than just swimming and sibling rivalry helps the competition,” Andrew Yagour said.

While the brothers work together to motivate each other, their goals are somewhat different. Andrew Yagour said that for the past three years he has competed in the state meet and is looking forward to doing the same this year.

“I want to improve my times in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke and qualify for the A final at states which is the top eight swimmers in that event in the state,” Andrew Yagour said.

However, Lucas Yagour said he enjoys being on the team with his brother and friends and is not as competitive.

“I really just swim to have fun,” Lucas Yagour said. “I love the team, and I have a great time with my friends in the pool every day. My main goal is really just to enjoy myself.”

Although they have different goals, they share the same love for the sport. Perchinske said that having a sibling in the same sport can be hard and competitive, but not for Lucas and Andrew Yagour.

“It [having a sibling in the same sport] fosters a sense of camaraderie and strengthens the family connection, both in and out of the pool, making the experience even more rewarding for both athletes as they share goals and challenges,” Perchinske said.