Four years ago, Rudy Romanyshyn joined the Whitehall High School swimming team as a way to get some exercise and get in shape.

Now, four year later, Romanyshyn is on the verge of becoming a district qualifier.

The senior has emerged among a budding group of male swimmers in the Zephyrs' program this winter. As a result, both the boy's and girls' programs have been raised their bars among their competitors in the Lehigh Valley Conference.

"It seems like our team (boys') has really come together this season," said Romanyshyn. "We all have had a real sense of compassion more this year than in recent years. We did some things this year that will help the teams in the near future."

But Romanyshyn still recognizes the team's major flaw of not having enough depth on the boys' side.

"That (depth) has been our problem for a while," he said. "We have been more competitive, but we don't have enough people to win more meets. It has been one of our major disadvantages. We have had a nice season, but it could have been better."

As for his own season, Romanyshyn has been pleased with his overall results.

"I feel pretty good about everything that has happened this year," said Romanyshyn, who participates in the 100 fly, 100 back, and 200 medley relay. "I've getting my times down with every meet.

I know this is my last meet and I have been giving it all that I can.

"I just have been working this year to get in the best possible condition. I know I have a shot at making districts and it would be a good way to end my high school career."

His coach certainly has noticed his determination and will.

"Rudy (Romanyshyn) is one of those swimmers who has consistently gotten better each year," said head coach Pete Rile. "He (Romanyshyn) has really worked hard to improve his times. When he first joined, I don't know if he knew what to expect.

"But he has certainly developed through the years. He is the type of swimmer who you would like to have back the following year to see what he can do."

In addition, Romanyshyn has been a member of the school golf team for three years. He also has been a coach for the Whitehall Waves during the same time period. At Whitehall, he is a member of the school's National Honor Society and Math Honor Society.

Romanyshyn credits the constant support of his father, Pete.

"My dad has always pushed me at every sport I have played," he said. "Since I was little, I have tried every sport. But no matter what sports it was, my dad made sure I gave 100 percent at everything."

Next season, Romanyshyn will enroll at the University of Indiana of Pennsylvania where he will begin a career in nursing, a career he has often thought about through the years.

"I have always thought about a career in nursing in which I can help people," he said. "For a while, I thought about either nursing or teaching. I put some thought into both careers, and I believed nursing was the way to go."

In the pool, however, Romanyshyn is optimistic his route will take him to districts.