ADAMS TWP — When it comes to athletics, Mars and Pine-Richland are natural rivals.

The high schools aren't located far from each other and both programs have rich traditions in sports.

Swimming, however, is a different animal.

“There wouldn't be a high school swim program at Mars if it wasn't for Pine-Richland,” first-year Mars coach Hans Bergh said. “They do a lot for us.”

The Planets won a state championship last year without a pool of their own. They practice from 5:30 to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, in the Pine-Richland High School pool.

It's been that way since 1998, when Mars first formed a high school swim team.

“A number of Mars kids have always swam for our Pine-Richland Aquatic Club,” P-R swim coach Pete Barry said. “I coach that (aquatic) team as well and once there were enough Mars kids interested in forming a high school team, I talked to the athletic director at Mars (Scott Heinauer) and we were able to get the ball rolling.

“It's all about supporting the sport ... the more schools that have teams, the better.”

Mars closed its regular season Tuesday with its lone “home” meet of the season, against Pine-Richland. Both teams held their Senior Night ceremonies that evening.

“We compete against each other, but it is more friendly and a bit laid back,” Mars senior swimmer Reed McDonough said. “Most of the swimmers on the two teams know each other.”

Barry estimates he has 15 to 18 Mars kids among his 150-swimmer roster with the Pine-Richland Aquatic Club.

McDonough and two Mars freshman swimmers are among them.

Mars swimmers furnish their own transportation to the early-morning practice sessions.

“My sister was a senior on the team when I was a freshman and she drove me to practice,” McDonough said. “My parents took me my sophomore year and I've been driving myself the past two seasons.

“We do a lot of car pooling. I pick up the two freshmen and bring them to practice, then back to our school.”

McDonough admitted he's lucky to get seven hours of sleep on a given night.

“It can be tough,” he said. “I get up around 4:15 in the morning every day after doing my homework at night before going to bed.

“Sometimes you have to remind yourself why you're doing this. Practice makes you better. Practice is why we won the state title last year and have high aspirations this year.

“You do what you have to do. It becomes routine after a while,” McDonough added.

Bergh said some Mars swimmers have grown up swimming for the Pine-Richland club, the Stingrays out of Pittsburgh, Butler YMCA, etc.

“What they have in common is a love for the sport,” Bergh said. “We put a lot of miles in each season, 13 to 18 meets, all on the road, the early morning practices, the transportation arrangements ... The dedication of these kids is impressive.”

McDonough is hopeful of swimming in college next year. His collegiate choice is undecided.

“It will be nice having a pool to call home, though,” he said. “But I'm going to miss this. Doing what we all have to do to have a successful swim team, it bonds us together pretty tight.”