Although the swim team doesn’t receive much attention, the Panthers continually put in a ton of commitment and dedication year in and year out.  The season started last Wednesday, and the team currently has participated in four meets.  Off to an extremely good start, the team has racked up key  wins against Chaminade-Madonna and North Broward.  According to coach Jay Fitzgerald, “The team will have no problem doing well this season, as long as everybody does their job, and if so, we should expect Pine Crest to do very well in the championship.”

So far, the team has been guided by captains Kent Haeffner, Hannah Veale, and Alex Evenson.  A large amount of preparation is needed each week, as the team practices every day after school as well as most mornings.  Although this seems like a great deal of work, most of the swimmers seem to enjoy the high demands that come along with their sport.  They claim that practice wakes them up in the morning and gives them something to look forward to each day after school.  Junior Brett Weiss, who is swimming for the first time this year, says, “I’m so happy that I found swimming this year. It really is a full body workout each day that I look forward to because it helps me get stronger.  Also, swimming has helped me meet some new people who I have become close with.”

Next week, the Panthers take on a whole host of schools, as they compete in an invitational here at Pine Crest.  One of the schools is Bolles, who is known for its strong swimming program and has placed exceptionally well in the last couple of years.  In addition to the captains, other members of the team have already won events this season, including Ryan Pristo in the 50 and 100 meter free, John Graner in the 500 meter free, and finally Tyla Martin in the 200 individual medley.  The swim team continues to put in a tremendous amount of effort and has always been one of Pine Crest’s best sports programs.  Make sure to come out and support!