On Oct. 17 inside the Weyerhaeuser Aquatic Center, the four Federal Way high schools battled it out in the pool at the All-City Swim Meet.

Thomas Jefferson is this year’s champion of the city, beating Decatur by five, 148-143.

Competing in all-cities is one of the more fun events for many of these swimmers. Seeing friends and other swimmers whom they have grown up with or are teammates in the club season is something many of them look forward to.

Samantha Kahn was on the first place 200 IM relay team for Thomas Jefferson. The friendship that all the Raiders have helps make them a strong team: “We support each other. It’s a smaller team so we have a really strong connection, even in the hard practices,” Kahn said.

Ben Ray / The Mirror Emma Calin from Thomas Jefferson swims the second leg of the IM.

Kahn swam in four races for the Raiders, winning two and placing second in two.

“I like the relays because I feel like there is more of a responsibility and motivation to swim fast,” she said.

“It’s very competitive. It’s our hometown and everybody we know… It’s a lovely community, everybody is so positive. I really enjoy it,” said Federal Way High School junior Keira Kelly.

Federal Way High School saw an increase in numbers this season, going from 11 swimmers to over 20 this season.

“The team’s grown so much individually and as a whole. I’m really proud of everyone for even just trying the sport,” Kelly said.

Kelly placed third in her 200 IM Relay, which is one of her favorite races.

“I really enjoy working as a team. Plus, it’s only a fifty, which makes my life easier,” she said.

Ben Ray / The Mirror A Gator and a Raider high five after an intense race.

Decatur’s Violet Tucker, who is a senior for the Gators, is the youngest sister in a lineage of Tuckers who have swam at Decatur. Her favorite aspect of the all-city meet is swimming with people she’s grown up with, plus a little bit more is on the line.

“I’ve swam with a lot of these girls since I was 10, so it’s really fun to see them and compete against them. There are definitely some bragging rights on the line too,” Tucker said.

Tucker helped Decatur to a second-place finish in the all-city meet — she won the 500 free and placed second in the 100 breaststroke. With the postseason meets coming up, Tucker in her senior year knows what to expect.

“Knowing how hard you worked to get there is really rewarding. There are some girls who are cutthroat, but for the most part, everyone is just happy to be there and swimming. It’s a really fun environment,” she said.

Todd Beamer’s Sarah Campos also fared well for the Titans in her solo races. She finished second in the 100 freestyle and third in the 100 backstroke, which is her favorite race to swim.

A Decatur swimmer lunges to the finish. Ben Ray / The Mirror

“I like it because I like to be able to breathe 24/7,” Campos said.

Todd Beamer is the smallest team of the four, but numbers don’t shake Campos’ ability to enjoy being around the girls.

“We always try and get together, whether it is going to the mall or going out to eat. It’s pretty fun when we all get together and reunite,” she said.

Final Scores

Thomas Jefferson: 148

Decatur: 143

Federal Way: 78

Todd Beamer: 67