Decked out in Brandeis paraphernalia and bright blue face paint, the rookies didn't look like they were a part of the team."Hey Alumni-we've got spirit, yes we do, we've got spirit, how about you?!" challenged the rookies on the men's and women's swimming teams from the bleachers during Saturday's annual Alumni Meet.

Given the day off to watch the upperclassmen compete against returning alumni swimmers, the first-years took on the role of cheerleaders.

But the rookies weren't the only ones who partook in the fun and games as the Judges competed in various events, including relays, medleys, diving and kickboard races.

"The event order and distances are adjusted to allow alumni to compete without being in great shape, although all of them appeared in good physical condition and swam very well," coach James Zotz, who has coached all of Saturday's participants after 29 years at Brandeis, said.

As the Alumni Meet gave the Judges a break from their normal schedule, the atmosphere was lighthearted and the races were more informal than usual.

"The meet is more social than competitive," Zotz said.

Assistant coach Marshall Goldman '03, who celebrated his birthday Saturday, epitomized the atmosphere by participating in a "birthday swim," featuring some lighthearted splashing of kickboards and hoses by several swimmers.

"It was a good ol' time," said Goldman, who swam for the first time in his four years as an alumnus.

"It was just pure fun. You don't see many meets like this at any college in the country," Goldman said.

Eighteen alumni attended the meet, going as far back as Caleb Davis '96, who holds one of the top ten all-time performances in the 400-meter individual medley. Several members of last year's graduating class also attended.

"The alumni are the priority for the meet," Zotz said. "I really enjoy welcoming them back to campus and specifically the pool, where they spent a good deal of their time training and competing."

The meet also served as a beneficial practice opportunity for the Judges, who have undergone tough preparation for their three upcoming meets against rivals Bentley College, Babson College and the University of Rochester.

"We've been working extremely hard this past week and are very beat-up, but this served as an opportunity to sprint a little bit and test ourselves without too much pressure," captain Todd Berman '07 said.

The alumni, many of whom are friendly with current team members, encouraged the younger swimmers to make the most out of their experience on the team.

"[The alumni] teach [the current team] not to take their time at Brandeis for granted; the four years go very quickly," Zotz said.

The Judges travel to Babson College Thursday at 6:30 p.m.