Mason Synchro Hosts First Home Swim Meet

By Connect Mason Reporter Mike Foss

The Patriot's synchronized swim team hosted the 2008 South Zone Collegiate Regional Championships this weekend, Mason's first home meet of the year.

The Patriot synchro team has yet to attain varsity status, yet they compete against many notable varsity teams like the Florida Gators and the Georgia Bulldogs. Despite the lack of varsity status, the club finished a respectable fifth out of the eight teams competing this past weekend.

Most club teams face an uphill battle when it comes to competing and recruiting, but above all, club teams often lack support from the student body.

While progress is being made, the synchro team is still developing. Victoria Mangam, a member of the Patriot synchro team, believes that Mason synchronized swimming is well on their way to attaining varsity status.

"We have the facilities here. Our facilities are better than most varsity teams," Mangam said. "Our biggest challenge is recruiting. We have to build a team before we can make the jump to varsity status."

Despite a lack in recruiting power, the Mason synchro has a tremendous following and is exceptionally competitive. Over 300 spectators attended this weekend's meet at the Freedom and Aquatic Center. The synchro club has also benefited from University support as Mason donated a new sound system to the team this semester.

There is a bright future for Mason Synchronized Swimming. However, Mason's team consists of only eight members at this point. For continued success and varsity status, there is a need for more depth in the team.

Anyone interested in trying out for the team is encouraged to contact team president Sabra Hayes.