Varsity girls swimming takes fouth consecutive State title

56-47-31.  No, not the combination to the safe buried deep in the hollows of Berger Hall but rather a testament to the hard work the young men and women put into this year’s swim season. 

 

56.  The size of the swim team this year.  These individuals were comprised of boys, girls, upper school, middle school, year-round and traditional season athletes; the biggest variance and challenge for any team on campus.  How does a team like this “gel” in order to become successful?  How do we manage the magnitude of personalities and needs?  Thankfully that challenge doesn’t fall squarely on the shoulders of the coaches.  The team’s Junior and Senior leadership helps lead the way.  By the time we make our way to GAC, one unified team is ready to compete.

 

47.  This year 47 athletes earned the right to compete in the biggest swimming event of the year through their achievement of state qualifying times.  Is 47 a lot?  Give me a little perspective.  Providence Day, an athletic powerhouse, arrived with the second largest squad – 30.  Ravenscroft School whose seasonal team measured 96 brought 25 to the dance.  47 is an intimidating number.

 

31.  The number of swimmers who qualified for Finals and scored in this year’s state meet – the number is simply staggering!  Again, the mixture of talent was evident.  14 girls and 17 boys, with the inclusive of 7 middle school students, were ready to contribute to a single goal; win a state championship!

 

Throughout last night’s competition personal bests abound, records fell, All State recognitions were earned and medalists were plentiful.  And, for the fourth consecutive year the girl’s team won the NCISAA State Championship in convincing fashion.  The boys, fell just short.  In a battle with nemesis Charlotte Latin (side note – are those ridiculously talented swimmers EVER going to graduate?), the team gave everything possible.  In a score which featured two teams earning over 300 points, the CA boys came up 23 points shy to claim State Runners UP; 120 points ahead of 3^rd place Cannon School.

 

Details of individual swims will have to wait as official times seem to be stuck in hyperspace.  But, I wanted to post this result so the young men and women of CA swim could be recognized for last night’s effort and for another successful season.  Every coach commends you for your will to Commit, Train and Achieve.  A job well done!