[ot-caption title=”The boys’ and girls’ PC swim teams competed at this year’s Woodson Invitational. (via Michael C. Lyn)” url=”https://pcpawprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/swimming-done.jpg”]

The boys’ and girls’ Pine Crest swimming and diving teams have been two of the most successful teams on campus for many years. This year looks to be no different as both teams are off to incredible starts.

The girls could not have had a better start to the season. They boast a record of thirteen wins and only one loss. That one loss came against Bolles School, which is widely regarded as the best team in the country. In their last meet, the Lady Panthers took on a Saint Andrew’s team that they had not beaten since 2011. The girls narrowly earned a big win by beating the Scots by a score of 91 to 90. They would like to continue their success in the upcoming weeks, as the team will compete at Districts, and hopefully move on to Regionals and States.

The boys are also off to a pretty good start this season. They carry a record of eight wins and seven losses in one of the most competitive divisions in the state. The team took a major hit this season with the graduation of Kent Haeffner ’14 and Alex Evenson ’14, who are now swimming at Harvard and Georgetown, respectively.

Besides swimming, the boys’ and girls’ diving teams are also looking forward to competing in this season’s playoffs. Sophomore, Juliette Pozzuoli gave her outlook on the team’s postseason aspirations stating, “The diving team is really excited for the state circuit. We’re a really close team and we’ve been training hard. Carolyn Chaney is going for her fourth consecutive state title and we’re looking to put at least three of our girls in the top eight. On the boy’s side, Austin Fields is looking to claim his second state title.”

They are looking to finish their season on a high note as Districts, Regionals, and States are coming up. Sophomore Christian Soderberg talked about the high goals his team has set for the season: “We really hope to win Districts and Regionals, and we would be very happy if we could place at least third at States.” We will soon see if the boys can meet their goals as the postseason is looming on the Panther’s horizon.

These kinds of results do not come without plenty of hard work, though. The teams normally practice 9 times per week, and each practice usually lasts longer than two hours. They put in the work because they know it is necessary to meet their lofty goals.

Sophomore Jamie Flores said, “We’re the people who are here at 6:00 AM and don’t leave until 6:30 PM. We put in the work all year, and we’re all excited to see the results.”

Both teams will try and keep their momentum going to finish out the season. Districts are this Friday, October 31^st, at University School. The swimmers would greatly appreciate anyone who comes out to support them, so come out and help your Panthers swim to victory!