Spartan swimmers compete against rival schools and prove to be strong this season, taking first in recent meet.
Junior Demetrius Allen utilizes his speed in the pool for the Spartans. photo by Kevin Fleming
With the Boys’ Swim Team stocked with 24 members, made up of new freshman and veteran upperclassmen, the 2009 spring season is looking positive for the TJ Spartans.
New freshmen Daniel Wakefield, Frank Hupperts, Mark May, and Mitch Moore have learned the ropes quickly and are becoming star talent for the future of TJ swimming for the next four years. “We have some really new awesome talent this year to compliment our veteran talent,” explained Head Coach Cynthia Allen. “We added a new addition to our team. His name is Jacob Salazar and we picked him out of Kennedy High School because their school is lacking a swim team. He is a great addition to our team and he is bringing positive reinforcement to all of our swimmers, including the veterans,” said Allen.
As well as the freshman, talented senior stars Ryan Diaz and Kyle Martinez keep the intensity up and running, striving to be the best in city qualifying matches.
The boys have had a lot of confidence in all of their teammates this season, coming through with big time wins. “We recently participated in a city relay meet and we took first in the 200 breast and the 100 freestyle, which put us in first in the overall standings at the meet. We took on six teams including our rivals East and George Washington High School,” said Allen.
The future for TJ swimming is going to show its full potential this year with a tough squad and lots of determination. “We have awesome members, great dedication with two-a-days, and illustrious depth that keeps this team on top of the others. Our chemistry is off the charts and all the boys work together to build long lasting relationships and keep spirits high,” said Allen.
The swim team has set new goals that they want to reach at the end of the season. “Our goals are raised this season and we are trying to take all three relays to state and finishing 1st or 2nd in city,” said Allen.
The boys’ next meet is against the Patriots of George Washington at George Washington next Wednesday April 8 at 4:15 pm.
