The goal is quietly literally to rinse and repeat for the Chiles boys swimming and diving team as they aim to do something that hasn't been done in five years: repeat as state champions. 

It was a collective effort by the Timberwolves that allowed them to take the 2021 3A boys swimming and diving state championship over Tampa Jesuit by 20-points. None of the swimmers finished as individual state champions, but their constant presence on the podium tallied up the points they needed to win as a team.

"We learned that anything can really be done," junior Ryder Gentry said. "We weren't really going into it as definite state title winners. We ended up winning by a good amount. This year, coming in, knowing we can do it, it's not going to be an easy shot, but we've got this." 

That emphasis on team continues to be the goal this season, now at the midway point of the season. Chiles is coming off of two large first-place victories, winning the Panama City Invitational by 20-points and most recently defeating Lincoln in quad meet, 905-438. 

At Wednesday's meet, the Timberwolves won every event, nearly competing against themselves throughout the evening. However, in these early meets, it's not so much about winning, it's about enjoying the local atmosphere, working to get better, and having fun. 

Athlete of the Week:Lincoln's Ashlyn Koerner is your Big Bend Preps Athlete of the Week

Football:Bartram Trail snaps Lincoln's winning streak; Trojans taking in loss before bye week

FHSAA:New FHSAA winter sports classifications see handful of Big Bend teams on the move

Swimmers are still aiming to finish with specific times, but outside of the pool they're laughing, cheering on their teammates and other schools, and enjoying the moment. 

"For us, the main part is to have fun and get with the team," Gentry said. "It's just about building a team atmosphere and having good team bonding going into states. It makes it a lot easier to push each other and have fun. It's about taking the opportunity to race and have fun." 

Gentry is one of Chiles' top returning swimmers, playing a major role in Chiles' success in Stuart last fall. He finished third in the 200 free, second in the 100 free, and part of second place (200 free) and fourth place (400 free) relay teams. Gentry won the 100 free (51.50) and 200 free (1:49.88) races against Lincoln this week.

Another large piece returning for Chiles junior class is Nathan Castano. Another All-Big Bend first-team selection, he took seventh in the 100-fly, third in the 100 back, and was a part of the fifth-place 200-free IM team and fourth-place free team. He won the 100-fly (55.62) and 100-back against (56.74) Lincoln. 

"We learned that we've got to put in the work in order to win," Castano said. "Every single practice matters. Every set. Everything goes into it." 

Depth continues to be a key piece to the program and Chiles' underclassmen are matching the success of the upperclassmen. Sophomore Ethan Ekk had a strong year at state, taking fifth in the 100-back and sixth in the 200-IM, alongside achieving relay success. He won the 200-IM (2:00.22) and 500 free (4:40.96) against the Trojans. 

"I'm trying to make it on the podium this year, possibly first place," Ekk said. "I want to come home with a state championship." 

Even first-year members are leaving lasting impressions in the pool. Freshman Crosby Fenniman has already impressed in his first year on the varsity squad, winning the 100-breast (1:06.88) and taking fourth in the 500-free (4:59.35). He's focused on taking in the varsity atmosphere his first year, and doing what he can to help the team. 

"I've learned that I've got to work a little bit harder to keep up with these guys," Fenniman said. "I'm working hard to make states." 

The depth goes on and on for the Timberwolves. Its senior swimmers in Cyrus Nadizadeh and Griffin Unger have not just helped boost the overall point total, but guide Chiles toward standing atop the podium once again. In this being Nadizadeh's final year with Chiles, he wants to have that moment with his team and believes that they have to resources to get it done. 

"Everything that goes into this program makes it so successful," Nadizadeh said. "The coaches, the people, the staff, the family members. It just works all toward one single goal. Coach Maggie puts in the dedication and time that we all need, and the swimmers are putting their heart on the line, and doing the best they can." 

Jack Williams covers prep sports for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at jwilliams@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @jackgwilliams.