'He's the first one in the water...'

Cannon School swimmers are split into two groups - one that practices Mondays and Wednesdays and another that practices Tuesday and Thursdays.

Cameron Cook goes to every practice.

Cook knows he doesn't have to swim for the extra hour and 30 minutes each practice or train with the Mecklenburg Aquatic Club on Saturdays, but he does it to get better.

"I just love it," the junior said.

This dedication goes past his hard work, and it has caught the eye of second-year Cannon head coach Megan Thompson.

"He's the first one in the water, and he's always doing everything I ask him to do - no questions, no complaints," she said. "With some of these kids he's a great example - he just sets the bar."

But Cook doesn't do it for the recognition. He explained that he just enjoys motivating his teammates.

"I feel like it's really important when you do something to have fun," he said.

Cook began swimming when his mother took him to YMCA classes at an early age, but he didn't started swimming competitively until fifth grade when he joined the Mecklenburg Aquatic Club. He has been training ever since.

Thompson explained that Cook, who she said is one of her team's best swimmers, is constantly asking for more to do.

In addition to being a straight-A student and swimming five days nearly every a week, Cook spends a lot of time practicing his other love - music.

Cook plays piano, saxophone and guitar. The 16-year-old said he enjoys playing music because it gives him a way to express himself.

He added that in the five years he's been involved with music he has developed an affinity toward playing jazz.

Cook said he has learned that his two biggest hobbies have some characteristics in common.

"They both take a lot of dedication and practice," he said. "There's some days you don't want to do it but to be good you really have to do it every day."

Thompson said she admires Cook's dedication, adding that he gives his best at everything he does whether that is swimming or cooking dinner for his family.

This season, Cook said he did "OK" after taking some time off in the summer away from club swimming.

"I came into the season a little less in shape for swimming, but I'm getting better - I'm working hard," he said.

Cook swims the 200 IM, 500 free and the 100 breaststroke for the Cougars. Cook said his 100 breast time of 1:09.44 and his 200 IM time of 2:10.75 are the fastest among his teammates.

"I guess all the work I've put in really paid off," he said.