Veronika Aleksandrova and Emmett Kendall interviewed several PVHS swimmers following this year’s Fish Bowl, the annual rivalry meet between Pleasant Valley High School and Chico High. Veronika spoke with two girls from the team, junior Sydney Begley and freshman Scarlett Polino. Emmett interviewed three boys: sophomore Dylan Kennedy, junior Cam Petersen, and freshman Everett Gephart. The meet was an exciting event, filled with energy, nerves, and strong performances from both teams.
Veronika began by speaking with junior swimmer Sydney Begley. She opened with the question, “What’s something you’ve learned from a coach that still inspires you today?” Sydney spent some time thinking before responding, “My coach always tells us it’s okay to be comfortable being uncomfortable. This inspires me and my team to overcome challenges, even when they get difficult.” Veronika then asked whether Sydney had any pre-race habits or traditions to help her ‘lock in’. “The night before a race, I always eat lots of carbs and protein, try to get at least 8 hours of sleep, and make sure to stay hydrated. The day of the race, I make sure I eat a good breakfast, drink lots of water with electrolytes, and make sure I eat protein and carb filled snacks throughout the day. Before I’m about to race, I always shake out and stretch before I get on the blocks,” she explained. “I’m not sure how much this does, but it always helps me loosen up before I swim.” Sydney’s routine shows how seriously she takes her performance and how much effort she puts in to improve.
Next, Veronika spoke with freshman swimmer Scarlett Polino. When asked which events she swam and what it feels like to race underwater, Scarlett shared, “I participated in the 50 free and the 100 [breaststroke]. The feeling of racing underwater is filled with adrenaline and excitement. When you’re racing, your mind goes blank and all the anxiety goes away. You just get the best adrenaline rush, especially when you hear your team cheering you on.” Veronika also asked about Scarlett’s goals for the season. Scarlett explained that she didn’t have a specific time in mind; she simply wanted to continue improving and end the season with her best results. “I did accomplish that, and every day I worked hard to achieve it. With a great team and supportive coaches, I was pushed in the best way possible to keep going.”
Emmett continued the interviews with sophomore swimmer Dylan Kennedy. When asked which races he swam in, Dylan shared that he competed in the 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 200 freestyle relay, and 400 freestyle relay. He briefly described the events, explaining the difference in distance and pacing between the 100 and 200 freestyle, and how the relays require four swimmers to complete the combined distance. When asked if he achieved the results he was looking for, Dylan replied, “In all, I think I did okay. For my backstroke I could have done better. My freestyles were normal times.” While he didn’t get personal records in every event, Dylan still felt proud of his overall performance and emphasized the importance of trying his best. Emmett then asked whether he thought PV would beat Chico High. Dylan felt confident going in. “I figured we had a high chance of winning because the year before we had beat them. Most people, not just the swim team, also thought we had high chances. In the end we did win, but it was very close.” He also shared that this was his first year swimming and that he has enjoyed it so far.
The second boys interview featured junior swimmer Cam Petersen. Cam swam in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 relay, and 400 relay. He described the 50 free as a short, powerful sprint, with the 100 free being similar but twice as long. When asked about his results, Cam was happy with his performance. “I was pretty excited about the way I performed, as I picked up two section times and helped us catch the win.” He explained that he entered the meet feeling confident that his talented team could beat Chico High. “There is no one on the team I wouldn’t want on the diving board. Overall, I’m super stoked about the team’s and my own performance.” Like Dylan, Cam also shared that this was his first year swimming, and he is excited about how both he and the team are doing.
Finally, Emmett spoke with freshman swimmer Everett Gephart, who competed in the 50 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke. He explained that the 100 breast has four components: the start, underwater pullout, stroke cycle, and turn. When asked how he felt about his results, Everett said, “In the 50 yard freestyle I got some very good results, but in the 100 yard breaststroke I did pretty bad.” Even so, he stayed positive and maintained a good attitude about the experience. Going into the meet, Everett believed the PV boys team would win, since they had not lost before. He was confident, especially after seeing how strong his teammates were. “We did end up winning, which was awesome, but I felt that our girls were going to have a tougher time because we only have around 15 girls on our team and Chico probably had around 20 to 30. In the end the girls did end up losing, but it was still close and they tried their best, which was all they could do.” Everett’s comments reflected strong team spirit and support for both the boys and girls teams.
Overall, Fish Bowl 2025 was an exciting day for PVHS. The meet highlighted dedicated training, team unity, and impressive performances. Whether swimmers were battling nerves before races or celebrating personal victories, they demonstrated determination and pride in representing their school and the Viking spirit. The strong sense of support and enthusiasm from both schools made the event memorable for athletes and spectators alike.
