To most teenagers, 4 in the morning is a time often spent frantically mashing keyboard keys, or, hopefully, spent in lethargic hibernation.

For junior Carl Majeau, however, it is a time spent pursuing a completely different endeavor: swimming.

Majeau is undoubtedly committed; he practices up seven times a week at Helene Madison, a pool tucked away in the bowels of north Seattle. On Saturdays, he works out from 7 to 10 in the morning; on weekdays, he chooses between 4 a.m. and 4 p.m. practice; on occasion, he attends both.

“Between school, swimming, and then music, I have no time for a social life,” says Majeau. “It’s annoying to have friends say, ‘wanna go see a movie?’, because I always have swim workout. I’ve started going to the morning workout and skipping the afternoon one on Fridays, but still. I hope colleges realize the commitment.”

Majeau has participated in swimming since the age of 6 at Wedgewood. In 6th grade, he added selective a club team, Cascade.

“Club is good and all, but there’s no real sense of team,” says Majeau. “It’s nothing like summer league [with Wedgewood] or Garfield.”

Garfield boys swim and dive returns many of their top performers from last year, including Majeau, fellow juniors Owen Howey and Anton Devore, and senior Jeff Yeabsley. Recent paperwork issues haven’t fazed the team; top to bottom, it’s one of the best in KingCo.

“We like our chances at districts,” says Majeau confidently. “We have a lot of new faces. Of course, we won’t be froshing them, because, you know, it’s not allowed.”

Majeau has even stronger personal ambitions; he expects to finish in the top 5 in his two main events, the 500-yard freestyle and 200-yard freestyle.

Achievements and goals, however, are nothing without something this squad surely possesses: camaraderie.

“Garfield is great,” says Majeau, “because we really are one group. There’s that sense of team, that sense of togetherness. And that’s important.”

“Naked showers are making a comeback.”

Majeau’s parents introduced him to swimming at a young age, and ever since, he has stuck with it. His ineptness at ball sports has certainly contributed, but nonetheless, Majeau has found a propensity for the water.

“Swimming is the best sport,” he says. “There’s a sense of personal achievement. It establishes a good work ethic. Scientifically it’s the best form of exercise.”

As for fringe benefits?

“The hottest bod,” says Majeau. “And swimmer chicks can be pretty damn fine. What else is there? Chicks in swimsuits.”

And so everything comes full circle. For Majeau, the ends justify the means. The occasional ridiculous wake-up hour and daily practices have paid off in spades. A positive outlook and unrivaled team chemistry, with the addition of swimmers of the opposite gender mean one thing: bliss.

“Plus, it beats sitting around on my butt all day.”