This swim season has been memorable for the boy’s team. Made up of athletes from three schools and three countries, the 2018-2019 Tyrone boy’s team has transformed into a picture of multiculturalism.

Junior Chinese exchange student Songmian Wang and sophomore Danish exchange student Hjalte Skov have made a lasting impression on the team and team’s record board.

“Songmian and Hjalte are both good swimmers. Foreign swimmers add different backgrounds, which make for a better and multicultural team,” said Tyrone head coach Tom Getz.

Wang and Skov, along with senior Jacob Decker and junior Matt Lenze, broke the 200 medley relay record with a time of 1:49.42. This record has been topped for the past three years.

“It feels incredible. I’m honored to have [broken the record] for the third time,” said Bishop Guilfoyle’s Lenze about the 200 medley relay.

In the 400 free relay, Decker, Wang, Skov, and freshman Parker Bayard shattered the 24-year-old record from 1995 with an impressive time of 3:32.92.

“It feels amazing [to accomplish] that with my teammates. We are a very good relay team, and everyone worked really hard to break the record,” said Wang, who also broke an 11-year-old individual record from 2007.

Wang swam a 2:08.45 in the 200 IM, a second faster than the previous record set by Ethan Nulton.

“Song has a good work ethic, which helped boost the team. He always had impressive swims at meets and at practices,” said Getz.

It may seem that their differences make it difficult to work as a team, but that has not been the case.

“It’s very cool being a part of such a one of a kind occurrence. It speaks volumes for the friendliness and teamwork that Tyrone presents for all swimmers [to invite in exchange students],” said Tyrone homeschooled swimmer Decker.

Not only has the team benefitted, but Wang has also enjoyed his time in Tyrone.

“I am really glad to have a chance to practice and break the record with foreign swimmers. We learn from each other and make progress together!” said Chinese exchange student Wang.

Both Wang and Skov have been great additions to the boy’s team and the Tyrone team as a whole

As the only remaining swimmer next season from this record-breaking team, Lenze is grateful for this season with his teammates.

“I am very thankful to have met my best friends and so many great memories that will last a lifetime. It’s gonna be sad to see Song and Hjalte go, but it was a great experience with them this year. Jake [has] been there for me since I was a freshman. I’m definitely going to be lost next year without him,” said Lenze, who also hopes to step up and become a leader to the underclassmen.

No matter what records fall in the future, the boy’s relay will be remembered as an equine team for years to come.