The Cambridge-Isanti Boy’s Synchronized Swimming Team is looking for help raising funds to be able to compete this season.
“There’s a new category that allows us to have a prop while doing our routine,” said Co-Captain Tristen Carpenter. “We voted, and we’re looking to purchase a seal.”
This is a first for the Bluejackets Synchronizers. Last year, the prop was an umbrella, but when all-state competitor Ethan Gedney opened it underwater, he was pulled under and almost drowned.
“He probably would have died if it weren’t for the quick thinking of lifeguard Wendy Peffercorn, who jumped in the pool, dragged him out of the water, and performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation,” teammate Jordan Dayton explained.
The hot new trend in male synchronized swimming props is live animals. Most of the suburbs’ schools have been using critters since the pandemic. Last year’s state championship team from Bluefield High School in Woodbury had a Norwegian Elkhound who was good at dog paddling but could have been better at being thrown into the air and landing with basket catches.
Animals have also brought tragedies. “There was the incident where Blaine High School lost three teammates when they tried to introduce a hammerhead shark to their team, and we won’t even mention the Lakeville electric eel fiasco,” Carpenter explained.
After endlessly scouring the internet, the team found an opportunity to rescue a seal from Guatemala caught in a dolphin fishing boat net. The team has already named the rescued pinniped Sir Barksalot.
Team student manager Savannah Stennett has started a Gofundme to help raise $12,000 to fly Barksalot from South America to the Cambridge Airport. “We’ve invited the high school band, the Air National Guard, and Governor Walz to attend the landing ceremony. So far, none have confirmed their attendance,” Stennett said.
The team is worried that Barksalot may get sick from drinking water from the pool. Just like an American citizen can get sick from drinking water in Mexico, Barksalot may suffer the reverse fate.
Despite not having Sir Barksalot in Minnesota yet, the team has developed its routine, which includes walking out to the song “Kiss from a Rose,” performed by the recording artist Seal. Then the team will do the Triple Lindy off of the diving board into the pool, followed by the routine to the song “If you’re happy and you know it…clap your hands” with SIr Barskalot clapping his foreflippers every time the song asks for a hand clap.
“It’s an amazing routine,” said Co-Captain Antonio Diaz. “We should be fan-favorites once Barksalot arrives.”
