Strolling side by side, the two brothers walk into the chlorine aroma of the pool. Sophomore Will Tullbane, the older brother makes the first glance at the water, anxious about the grueling practice he has in store with his team that is coached by his father. Alongside his younger brother Nicholas skips in, appearing as though he can’t wait. They must prepare for the upcoming meet, the Mansfield Invite, one of the harder meets in their season.
Sophomore Will Tullbane has swam on the varsity swim team since his freshman year. Currently, Tullbane trains for the Mansfield Invite, one of the larger meets, as well as the district and regional swim meet toward the beginning of February.
“It’s going pretty good,” Tullbane said. “We’re getting better, so [training] must be working.”
Will swims butterfly and freestyle both in the relays and as individual events, and places within the top eight in every event. Currently the team has been to eight meets, four of them being larger meets with numerous high schools. Out of all eight meets, swimmers have placed in the top eight in almost all 24 events at each meet.
“Anybody’s competition,” Tullbane said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re slower or faster, I treat everyone the same.”
Swimming with the varsity swimmers from Legacy, Will also has a chance to be coached by his father, Tony Tullbane, and swim alongside his brother, Nicholas. When Nicholas came to high school, he was unaware of the meaning of a team because in Club swimming everyone does what’s best for them. However, in high school everyone works together to win.
“Going against Will has motivated me to be better,” Nicholas said.
Also, Coach Tullbane had to adopt the Lake Ridge High School swim team this season. The district didn’t have enough money to hire another coach for the team, so Coach Tullbane must coach as well as line up swimmers to go against his team. This poses a challenge when district and regionals comes around because both Legacy and Lake Ridge compete against each other. However, Legacy having to share their coach doesn’t seem to affect their attitudes.
“A coach is a coach, so it doesn’t really matter what team he coaches.” Will said.”We’re still getting the same type of treatment.”
