The Patriots swim team includes six pair of siblings
The Bob Jones swim family aspect of our team and they bring a unique perspective to our vision as siblings,” said Rhoades. “We want to carry aspects of the family over to our entire team.”
MADISON – The 1979 World Series Champion Pittsburgh Pirates adopted the Sister Sledge song “We Are Family” as their official theme song. With lyrics such as “Everyone can see we’re together, as we walk on by, we’re giving love in a family dose,” the song could easily be the special tune for the Bob Jones swim team as the squad has five pairs of sisters and one brother-sister combination on the 2024 team roster.
The 2024 Lady Patriots are two-time defending state champs while the boys placed fourth a season ago and both squads feel a shot at a state title is within reach by season end in mid-November. The entire Patriots’ squad is led by a family atmosphere with the list of family members in both squads making the swim team a family, which leads to an overall better community.
“Our vision for this swim and dive team is to not only excel at our sport, but to better our community and we do that with a focus on how we treat each other and also how we approach academics and training,” said Ryan Rhoades head coach of Bob Jones.
“For me, the boys are coming together as we’re like a family as there’s always been a lot of siblings on the Bob Jones team so I sort of expect it,” said Kyle MacKrell a sophomore member of the Patriots whose sister, Lyla, is a freshman freestyle swimmer for the girls, who added, “The family atmosphere we have makes us closer as we’re all supportive of each other and it’s cool to see that, makes the team more connected as we even car pool together.”
Melia Mbuko, a junior, and her sophomore sister, Maiya, both have taken piano lessons for years, played soccer most of their youth and took to swimming at an early age in the youth programs based in Madison. “My sister drives me to be a better swimmer and we’re very close mostly because of swimming,” said Maiya who swims in freestyle events. “I’m at home in the water as I have that history with the sport and my friends are there as well.”
Melia knows very well what it’s like to be the big sister and sees how her youngster deals with the fact of trying to keep up with her older sibling. Melia added, “My younger sister has had it tough because people would compare her to me. I know she’s a great swimmer, knows the sport and makes a great coach as she works harder than the rest of us.”
Rhoades is in his second season as head coach and being a former State Champion as a Bob Jones swimmer knows how important consistency and team comradery are to making a successful and energetic squad that learn together. “We have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to infighting or gossip as if it is not meant to uplift or encourage, then those are not welcome,” said Rhoades.
“My brother started swimming a season before me, but I quickly saw how much it was and he was having so I decided to swim, too, as my father would go with me after school to Dublin Memorial Park and teach me the necessary techniques to be a better swimmer,” said Lyla. “My brother is always there with his friends and we cheer for each other. He’s also helped coached me with my swimming techniques. I also help him with tips on his swimming strokes when I notice something has gone wrong.”
Kyle is also a member of the Huntsville Ultimate Club and a member of the school ROTC. As a former member of the Madison Dolphins swim team, he made the state meet in his very first year and has progressed to wanting to excel at swimming and help his team to further success. “I love the cardio and endurance of swimming, plus a lot of my friends also swim,” said Kyle.
“All of these athletes embody the team
“We all grew up together, we know each other and that makes us closer as the ‘family’ gives us that connection,” said Maiya. “Family is an advantage for us and makes a difference as you swim for the team, my family.”
The remainder of the siblings on the Bob Jones swim team include Anna and Ava Reker, Brynna and Finn Koehler, Ashlee and Jayne Frailie and Ally and Emma Kuang, all of whom, with the remainder of the team, could easily sing the song that 45 years ago Sister Sledge took to No. 1. In 2024, the Patriots possibly could sing the tune on their way to the top of swimming in Alabama. “We are family, I got all my sisters with me, get up everybody and sing.”
