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Zara Allmendinger, freshman first year swimmer. Photo courtesy Apuron Photography
After several weeks of practices, the Miner Swim Team opened the season at Palo Verde on Sept. 1. It was a dual meet with both Miners Boys and Girls teams winning. The Boys won by a score of 39 to 29, winning 9 out of the 11 races contested. The Girls won by a score of 51 to 30, winning 8 out of the 11 races contested.
The Boys Team started things off with a win in the Medley Relay. Senior Robert Sweeney, Sophomore Michael Primero-Predgo, Senior Colbey Stratton and Sophomore Daniel Garcia teamed up to easily win the opening event. Robert Sweeney went on to win the 200 Freestyle and 500 Freestyle. Senior Michael Garcia won the 200 IM and 100 Back. Colbey Stratton won the 50 Free and 100 Butterfly. Michael Primero-Predgo won the 100 Freestyle. The Miners were beat in a close 200 Freestyle relay but came back at the final event to win the 400 Freestyle Relay.
The Girls relay team of Sophomore Darien Apuron, Sophomore Gianna Sweeney, Sophomore Jasmine Smith, and Junior Raya Woods also got things going with a win the Medley Relay. Raya Woods went on to win the 200 Freestyle and 500 Freestyle. Darien Apuron won the 200 IM and 100 Fly. Gianna Sweeney won the 50 Free and 100 Breaststroke. The Miners came back to win the 400 Freestyle relay with the team of Freshman BaiLee Hill, Darien Apuron, Raya Woods, and Gianna Sweeney.
Head Coach Alex Gort was happy to see the Miners swimming fast times at the opening meet.
Bonnie Bridges sophomore first year swimmer. Photo courtesy Apuron Photography
“We have been practicing eight times a week along with weight training and everyone is a little sore. To see the times as fast as they are is a very good sign for later in the season. Several Miners had their first taste of High School competition and they all swam well,” Gort said.
Bailee Hill – freshman first year swimmer. Photo courtesy Apuron photography
Freshman Zara Allmendinger, Freshman BaiLee Hill, Sophomore Bonnie Bridges, and Sophomore Daniel Garcia all competed in their first High School Swim Meet and made key contributions to the team scores.
Daniel Garcia Sophomore first year swimmer. Photo courtesy Apuron Photography
Daniel Garcia was named Dynamite Swimmer of the Week by the team Captains. For a swimmer at his first meet of any kind, Garcia swam very solid legs on all three relays to help secure the team win. Garcia finished in 4th place in the 50 Free with time 11 seconds faster than he had ever swam previously. Throw in his positive attitude, and there are no doubts as to why he was named as Dynamite Swimmer of the Week.
Miners host Arizona College Preparatory School at the San Manuel Pool on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 4 p.m.
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