Jordan Rivera had a strong inkling that swimming could be his sport in high school.

His confidence began to build in fifth grade when he joined the Whitehall Waves. From there, it was just a matter of time before he would be a key member of the Zephyrs, as the drive began at home.

He is optimistic that his overall journey will end at states.

“My mom thought swimming would be a good sport for me and I started with the Waves,” said Rivera, who is a senior captain this season. “I tried the other sports, but swimming really seemed to fit.

“Once I started in fifth grade, I really became comfortable and more confident. I thought I was pretty good. After a few years, everything clicked for me.”

Rivera, though, quickly realized that he wasn’t going to succeed overnight.

“I knew I had to work on my technique,” he said. “The team was great as they immediately accepted me. We have a real family here and everyone is truly looking out for one another.

“In the beginning, I was just trying to figure out what I was doing and how I could get better. I really was trying not to get disqualified in meets.”

Head coach Pete Rile saw the potential in Rivera.

“Jordan (Rivera) has contributed so much to this year’s team - point, leadership, making a true team,” said Rile. “His attitude, work ethic and positive attitude have truly been a major contribution to the success of this year.”

Rivera has been grateful for the support.

“The coaches have been amazing,” he said. “They always have been there for me. The coaches put all of us in positions to succeed. Once I started swimming, it didn’t take long for me to start lowering my times.”

Rivera sees his best events as the 50 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke. However, he has qualified for districts in the 100 and 200 freestyle and 100 breaststroke. It is typical for Rivera to swim a number of events and he has learned to limit his choices.

Rivera was a member of three record-setting relay teams for the Zephyrs.

“Over the past two years, I have swum a number of events,” he said. “It can be draining and I have felt exhausted recently and in the past. I believe the 100 breaststroke is my best event.”

Rivera would like to continue his career at Bloomsburg University, where he will pursue a degree in athletic training, and he is also looking at secondary education.

“I definitely want to swim in college,” stressed Rivera. “I have been talking to the swim coach (at Bloomsburg). It is a big deal for me.”

Until then, Rivera wants a strong finish to his season. He and his teammates, who are often undermanned, are looking forward to the district meet in two weeks.

“We all feel we can do well there,” said Rivera. “We have been getting more boys out for the team, but we still don’t have as many as we should. Often teams take us for granted and we have surprised a number of them.

“We’ll see what we can do.”