Well known as an athletic powerhouse in the state of Michigan, the girl’s swim and dive team has been a force to reckon with in both Divisions 2 and 3 for decades. The team has won 25 state championships, the most out of any sports team at the high school, and numerous conference and regional titles. 

Despite their abundance of success throughout these years, the team has been faced with a lot of adversity early in their season. 

“Our team has gotten closer and there has been more leadership this year because the access of our coaches is gone,” Ella Gauri ‘24 said. 

The girls are currently suffering the loss and absence of both head coaches who have coached at EGR for many years. Their beloved coach Chris Ingram passed away from cancer this summer and head coach Butch Briggs is recovering from back surgery. With this, the girls are adapting to their adjusted coaching staff and are still getting used to being back in season without their leaders. 

The Pioneers had their first meet against the Grand Haven Buccaneers on Tuesday, Aug. 29. They unfortunately fell short a few points, losing 90 to 94. This is the first time the team has lost a dual meet in over 10 years. Following their loss to Grand Haven, the Pioneers fought a tough battle against number three ranked Jenison also resulting in a loss. Despite the unexpected start to the season, the Pioneers secured their first win in their tri-meet on Wednesday, Sep. 6 against the Grand Rapids Catholic Central Cougars and the Manistee Mariners. 

Although the team lost some valuable swimmers and divers this season, they also gained some strong freshmen. Freshman Addie Hein is looking forward to competing in more big meets coming up this season including the MHSAA Division 2 state meet after earning her state cut during the first meet against Grand Haven. 

“The most important thing we need to focus on is to keep going, make the best of it, and do it for Chris,” Hein said.