Felix Figueroa has resigned himself to the fact that his competitive swimming career likely will end over the next month. It was another of the types of rational decisions he has made both in and out of the pool.

But the Whitehall senior has plenty to relish about his brief and competitive four-year stint with the Zephyrs.

This season, Figueroa was named a captain for the program, which he began swimming only competitively since his freshman season. Despite losing a large group of seniors who were the foundation over the past few seasons, Figueroa hasn’t seen a major decline.

“Things are going well,” he said. “We have a lot of younger swimmers who have been improving all season. We have been pretty competitive and we have been well prepared. It is a close-knit group here and we all look out for each other.”

As well as working with his teammates, Figueroa has relished the encounters. He only began swimming in an organized program as a freshman.

“Personally, I have had a great swimming experience,” he said. “When I was a freshman, I felt good about everything and everyone helped me along. We are like one, big, happy family.

“I knew I had to work on my distance and time. I really didn’t have any real experience when I started. I never thought I would do it (swimming) competitively, but I figured that I would give it a shot. It was just a matter of continuing to work hard at practice.”

Head coach Pete Rile has watched Figueroa develop over the years.

“He is extremely competitive,” said Rile. “He is a quiet leader who has greatly contributed to the development of the boys’ program. He also has worked hard to get to where he is right now.”

Figueroa has been a mainstay for the team in the 100 butterfly. He recently finished first in the event in a time of 59.03 in a meet against Freedom. Figueroa will compete in districts in the event and he is also looking to qualify with his teammates in the 200 individual medley as well as the 200 medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay.

When he isn’t swimming, Figueroa enjoys watching and dabbling in the stock market. On the advice of his grandfather, Figueroa bought shares of Moody’s stock and turned a profit.

“Of course, my parents oversaw the entire operation,” noted Figueroa. “I started looking into the stock market when I was 10 and traded my fist stock when I was 12. It has been a fun, interesting experience for me.”

Figueroa’s business sense has helped direct him to a future career in accounting, and he plans to pursue the field at DeSales University next fall.

“I won’t be swimming there (DeSales), but I plan to keep swimming to keep me in shape,” said Figueroa. “I’d still like to compete in a program.”

In addition to swimming, Figueroa has played soccer for the past three seasons and also has been a part of the Zephyr track program. He has appreciated competing for Rile.

“He (Rile) is a great guy who is very chill,” said Figueroa. “But he is very focused and keeps a tight schedule.”

Even though he realizes his career is ending, Figueroa isn’t planning a quick exit.

“I believe I can do well at districts,” he said. “I know this will be it, but I would like to end on a good note.”

It just could be another profitable ending for Figueroa.