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Members of the 2014 Miners Swim Team include from left, Colby Stratton (10), Will Newman (9), Michael Garcia (10), and Taylor Woods (11). Swimmers not pictured include: Jazelle Sanchez, Fernanda Vasquez, Elyssia Aguilar, Mariela Canisales, Victoria Ortega, Theresa Sweeney, Raya Woods, Jacob Christian, Alec Newman, and Robert Sweeney. Jeanine Apuron | Sea Lions
After several weeks of practices including morning practices before school, the Miner Swim Team is ready for their first test of the season at Canyon State Academy (Thursday, 3 p.m.).
The Boys team comes off an 11-2 season in 2013 and is looking forward to a competitive season with hopes of breaking some school records and getting some individuals and relays to the Division II State Championship Meet in November. Team Captain Colbey Stratton (sophomore) and Junior Taylor Woods were members of the 400 Freestyle Relay that set a school record last year and look ready to go even faster this year. Sophomore Michael Garcia (IM and Backstroke) and Junior Alec Newman (Freestyle and Breaststroke) return after a solid year in 2013. Three new swimmers to the team will likely be just what the Miners need. Freshman Will Newman is an accomplished USA Swimmer who has won a few State Championships at the age group level and is looking forward to the high school swimming experience. Sophomore Robert Sweeney has a good mix of strength and endurance, and Junior Jacob Christian is coming off a great summer season. Coach Alex Gort commented, “This group has a set some high goals and has been working hard to achieve them, I am excited about the season.”
The girls team comes off a 5-6 season in 2013. With four meets being decided by very small margins last year, the Miners are ready to see if they have what it takes to win more meets this year. The job will be tough after graduating four seniors from last year’s team, a group that holds nearly every school record. Under the leadership of Senior Captains Jazelle Sanchez and Fernanda Vasquez the team is starting to take shape. Juniors Mariela Canisales (Butterfly and Breaststroke) and Cita Sweeney (Freestyle) return with good stroke technique. Several new swimmers look to fill the voids left by graduation, Freshman Raya Woods brings considerable swimming experience and is joined by first year swimmers Junior Victoria Ortega and Freshman Elyssia Aguilar. Rebuilding after losing so many key swimmers is a challenge the girls team is ready for, and they saw the boys team do it last year successfully. Who knows, a few school records may be broken on the girls team also.
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