Coach Allen leads squad anchored by talented juniors and seasoned seniors.
by Sam Stavish
photo by Kevin Fleming
Winter is here, and that means it’s time to jump in the pool for another girls’ swimming season.
Last year the team finished with a record of 4-7, and after the loss of last year’s seniors, (Catherine Piccone, Ryan Mollo, Emily Mcbride, Jackie Mishoe) the pressure was on to fill the void of swimmers. Thankfully for the Spartans, the junior class has stepped up big. “The juniors class this year is very strong and has continued to grow, adding a solid base to our team,” stated Head Coach Cindy Allen.
A main theme for this season is hard work and dedication. The ladies are notable for their strong performances in the relays and short swims, but have struggled with the butterfly and 400 meter individual medley. “All the girls will be required to swim one of these tougher swims during the year, so there is no excuse not to practice for them. When they anticipate the swim, they definitely work harder to improve in that area,” said Allen.
The captains for the team this year are Seniors Mallory Knoll and Hall Hupperts. Both girls have worked hard to finally achieve the position of leadership as co-captains. “The captains of the team are great. Mallory and Hall are always supporting the younger teammates and do a great job of keeping everyone on task,” said Allen.
Already this year the girls have had success. In the season opener against Montbello, the team had a strong showing in all areas of the meet, and came out on top winning 111-34. In her first meet of the year, Junior Andrea Shacklock has already managed to qualify for state, a feat most girls hope to accomplish by the end of the season, but that few actually achieve.
“I am very proud of Andrea,” said Allen. “I also believe that Jamie Gray, Nina Severns, Chelsea Skubal, and Hall Hupperts all have a serious chance at qualifying for state, if they work towards it.”
This past weekend the ladies were at it again, swimming head to head against the Harrison High Panthers. The team did very well, and when all was said and done, the Spartans pulled out a big victory, winning 90-85. “Sarah Southard had a great performance in the 500 M over the weekend,” commented Allen. “Hopefully we can continue to work with her and help her develop into a really strong swimmer.”
The overall goal this year is to have a good showing at the City Meet in February. “We are looking to take second place this year at City. It will be tough and we still have a lot of work to do if we want to knock East or George Washington out of one of those spots, but we are definitely talented enough,” said Allen. “I am so proud of these young girls. They have put in the time and effort, and I can see their determination to do well.”
12/11/08 DPS Relay Meet @ Manual 4:15PM
12/18/08 Centaurus High School @ T.J. 4:15PM
01/10/09 Valor Christian Invite @ School of Mines 12:00PM
01/13/09 Denver East High School @ Thunderdome 4:15PM
01/16/09 Jeffco Invite @ Myers Pool 4:00PM
01/17/09 Jeffco Invite @ Myers Pool 8:00AM
01/22/09 Denver South High School @ T.J. 4:15PM
01/27/09 George Washington High School @ G.W. High School 4:15PM
02/03/09 Denver West High School @ T.J. 4:15PM
