Swimming pools and the scent of chlorine may remind some Langley students of summer, but for senior Ryan Natal, they are a daily, year-round part of his life. “Swimming has always been a part of my life. Since I was little until now, I’ve constantly been in the water,” says Natal, “It’s almost like an addiction. I want more and more of it.”
Natal is co-captain of the Langley boys varsity swim team, along with senior Wade Whitt. “As a captain I try and do as much as I can to pump up the team. One of the best ways to do this is by cheers,” said Natal. “I also like to talk with swimmers individually sometimes and just encourage them to do their best.”
His teammates are full of positive things to say about him. “Ryan has really amazing leadership skills and is going to be successful in his future in swimming,” said freshman Maggie Prendergast.
“Ryan has got to be one of the nicest guys that I know,” added freshman Patrick McCarthy.
Natal will be attending the University of William and Mary next year. As he prepares to say good-bye to Langley, he remembers his favorite memory on the Swim and Dive team. “When I was a sophomore, the team traveled to Virginia Beach for the state championship meet. I was in the 200 Medley Relay. Stephen Richards was swimming backstroke, Chuck Katis was swimming breaststroke, I was swimming butterfly, and Chris Pivik was swimming freestyle. I remember the intensity of the atmosphere and how nervous and excited I was to swim. In the end, our relay won and set a new National Public School record, which still stands today.”
Natal plans to continue swimming after he graduates. “Joining my high school’s team was one of the greatest decisions of my life,” he said. “I honestly can’t see myself not swimming. There’s no way I can let it go.”