Swim Ends Preseason 4-1 Despite Problems

SHANNON LI

Staff Writer

Along with a new season comes new coaches for the Alhambra swim team. This year, Sarah Duran, Nathan Duran and Priscilla Perez replace former coaches David Jauregui and Jose Molina.

“Having new coaches affects the team in a good way and a negative way. There’s a new kind of structure, but some of the students are used to the old program,” said Head Coach Sarah Duran.

The coaches are incorporating more morning practices than last year. During these practices, the team goes to the weight training room to focus on building strength and endurance.

“We could really work on our stamina. Swimming requires a lot of endurance, and it’s something we need to work on,” said JV member Michelle Ramirez.

The team has a strong 4-1 preseason record. However, swim meets against South Pasadena, San Gabriel and Covina have been cancelled or postponed.

“Recently, there have been a lot of pools breaking down, so  it’s set our team back considerably. We’re still hopeful about our Almont League chances because we have a strong team this year,” said Varsity member Patrick Yin.

Last season, there were about 60 members on the team. This year, there are over 70, with 30 returning members. In addition, the team shares the Granada Park pool with San Gabriel’s swim team.

“There are even more people than there were last year, and less space now,” said JV member Victoria Dam.

To further complicate matters, the Granada pool is experiencing mechanical difficulties, so the team does not have after-school practice.  Because they share the pool with San Gabriel, their swim meet is postponed until the pool is fixed.

The season record so far  is 1-1, with a loss to Mark Keppel. However, the team is optimistic about the season.

“With good practice, hard work and a lot of dedication, we can do good in Almont League,” said Sarah Duran.