Boys Continue Early Season Success
by Michael Mankoff
photo by Ryanne Mollo
April 2, 2008 was a night to remember for the Spartan Swimming and Diving team.
The air was filled with excitement Wednesday night in the Thomas Jefferson pool as the swim team took on league rival East High School. The night lived up to the high expectations with the smashing of state qualifying times which led the Spartans to victory, 99-80. "The win was huge," described Head coach Cindy Allen who hopes that the momentum from the victory will carry throughout the rest of the season. "It was a big stepping stone, I think the athletes realize now the opportunity they have to win the city."
East finshed second last year in league and have had some success themselves this year, which made the win that much more enjoyable for the Spartans who seem to be en fuego since the season commenced in early March. "All season long our young guys have played a big role in the team’s success," noted senior swimmer Marc Houghton. The highlight of the night, however, was the Medley Relay team that qualified for state with a time of one minute and fifty-two seconds, which smashed the qualifying time by a full four seconds. The team consists of Taylor Hartmon, Seth Perry, Tate Sheiman and Houghton as well.
However, the Medley team is not the only relay team that has qualified for state from the mighty Spartans’ roster this season. Prior to Wednesday, the 400-freestyle team managed the feat less than two weeks ago at the Arvada West meet. "Qualifying two relays this early in the season is a really big accomplishment for TJ swimming," an excited Houghton remarked. The 400-free team consists of all the same swimmers as the Medley team replacing Sheiman with strong swimmer Daniel Smith. Characterizing the win as anything short of amazing would be an understatement as the mighty swim team looks to continue their winning ways.
Next up for the Spartans will be the Kennedy Commanders on April 9th at Lincoln High School at 4:15pm.
