Dedication is a key component to success in athletics, and four South Whidbey High School swimmers certainly have that quality covered.

Since South Whidbey doesn’t field a swim team, four Falcon sophomores — Anna Bennett, Ashley Lynch, Katie Zundel and Sarah Zundel — travel six days a week to Kamiak High School in Mukilteo to train with the Knights.

Lynch began swimming at 5 years old, the others a few years later. The trips to Kamiak are a small sacrifice to pay to continue a sport they enjoy.

Lynch and Katie Zundel are in their second year at Kamiak.

“It was kind of weird at first,” Lynch said. “But the Kamiak girls are really sweet and made an effort to get to know us.

“It’s fun and really cool, and they have a really good coach (Chris Erickson).”

With only four swimmers, South Whidbey won’t be scoring enough points to win any meets, so the Falcons will focus on individual goals — qualifying for the district and state meets.

Lynch excels in the 100 backstroke and 100 freestyle, while Katie Zundel is strongest in the 100 back and 100 butterfly. The others, in their first year at Kamiak, are still deciding on their events.

With four swimmers, the Falcons will be able to form a relay squad. They will compete in the medley relay at first and may add the 200-free or 400-free relay later.

Erickson said the South Whidbey swimmers “fit right in at practice.”

He praised their dedication and said the Falcons are “nice and work hard.”

“We just finished our time trial, (a) pentathlon format,” Erickson said. “Only 30 of 45 were able to complete all five events, and all four South Whidbey swimmers made it.”

Kamiak hosts a jamboree at 3:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, then goes to Bainbridge at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11.