A bright pink pool noodle can be a strange site at a AA swim meet, but starting this year, the Charles M Russell girls swim team has made this sight a tradition. Dubbed “the Noodle”, it changes hands every Friday or Saturday when the team competes. The Noodle is passed from one girl to another based on whatever quality made them stand out that week.

Senior Serena Shultz, a recipient of the Noodle herself, said that a girl can be chosen “based on if she always has a smile on her face, is sweet, has improved a lot recently, or really anything.”

A senior of both the cross country team and the swim team, Olivia Bauman drew inspiration for this new tradition from the runners. The cross country team established a similar ritual; their “noodle” is a stick that has been a part of the program for several years.

Although the tradition was only started this season, underclassman swimmers are already excited to carry it on.

“It’s a really fun and meaningful tradition that will be cool to carry on,” said Shelby Banks, a sophomore.

Although the girls have no need of assistance when it comes to swimming, this floatation device will hopefully support the team for years to come.