CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Rather than coming up for air and hearing the roar of the crowd, divers and swimmers at the region swimming and diving meet will hear silence.
In 2021, there is no room for fans, parents, or spectators at the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) Natatorium.
"It was kind of interesting not having parents yelling and screaming," said CCISD aquatics coordinator Billy McLendon.
The only sounds heard throughout the building are the sounds of springboards clattering and water crashing as divers hit the water.
What normally is a massive event for the district has been shrunk down all out of an abundance of caution.
"We weren't able to do our usual meets," McLendon said.
In order to maintain social distance at meets, the three-day event is divided by sport and gender.
Thursday morning saw girls diving, Thursday afternoon was boys' diving.
Friday will be the same lineup for swimming events.
Teams are spaced throughout the entire building on the various sets of bleachers. This leaves no room for the spectators.
Jayden Longoria, a diver, is getting used to the new normal.
"Usually I have my team here, supporting me," she said. "They're always cheering me on."
She has some of her teammates there. As part of the new University Interscholastic League rules, there are fewer competitors at events. She is missing a very important set of supporters - her parents.
"My parents are watching at home on YouTube," she continued. "I'm just grateful to be diving."
