News Summary

The Anzar High School swim team celebrated a remarkable victory against King City High School on April 11. The girls secured a close win with a score of 86-84, maintaining their undefeated season at 6-0. The boys’ team also triumphed decisively with a score of 90-62, bringing their season record to 3-2. Coach Larry Willis praised the team’s determination despite their smaller roster. As they look forward to upcoming matches, including a key meet against Seaside High School, the team’s spirit and hard work continue to inspire.

Winning Waves: Anzar High School Swim Team Triumphs Over King City

In the small community of San Juan Bautista, excitement rippled through the air as the Anzar High School swim team achieved remarkable victories against King City High School on April 11. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable as the girls and boys took to the water, eager to continue their impressive season.

Close Call for the Girls

The girls’ team faced a nail-biting match, securing a slim victory over their rivals with a score of 86-84. This thrilling outcome not only marked another win for them but also maintained an impressive overall season record of 6-0. With this latest triumph, the girls proudly sit at the top of the Cypress Division in the Pacific Coast Athletic League. It’s an incredible feat, especially when considering that their roster is only about 11% of the school’s total student body of 270 students.

Boys’ Team Makes Waves

The boys’ team, on the other hand, enjoyed a more decisive victory, finishing with a score of 90-62 against King City. This win brings their season record up to 3-2, positioning them in second place within their division. Both teams demonstrated skill and determination, showcasing the hard work they have put in throughout the season.

Team Size Brings Unique Challenges

Head coach Larry Willis has expressed pride in his swimmers, noting that despite being only a fraction of the size of their competitors, they are continually improving from the previous year. The smaller roster means less scoring potential, especially given that swimming scores are based on the top five finishers in each race.

A Test of Team Spirit

The meet against King City was highlighted as the most challenging of the season so far, particularly for the girls who were up against a larger opponent. Even so, the determination and sportsmanship shown by each swimmer made all the hard work truly shine. Several swimmers even set new school records during the match, further snapping the competition’s hold.

Leadership and Motivation Shine Through

Leading the charge for the girls’ team is captain Ava Kapadia, who at 17 years old, has shown remarkable leadership through her communication abilities and her drive for improvement. Ava credits her coach for the motivation that helps keep the team focused and committed. Creative practice activities, including pizza parties and fun with floaties, help strengthen team bonds and uplift spirits. Another remarkable captain, Doupnik, also 17, demonstrated his commitment by consistently attending practices throughout the year and setting a record in the 200-yard freestyle at this meet.

Challenges in Recruitment

Despite their success, the swim team faces unique challenges, especially when it comes to recruiting new swimmers. Many students struggle with transportation issues since the team practices at Watsonville High School, as Anzar does not have its own pool. This presents a hurdle for those hoping to join the team but reflects their determination to strive for excellence nonetheless.

Looking Ahead

As the swim season continues, all eyes are set on the next match, which will take place against Seaside High School on April 25. With their track record so far, there are high hopes for another success story. The team is eager to build on their strong performance leading up to their final home meet before the league championships at Hartnell College on May 2.

A Season to Remember

The Anzar swim team’s recent season performances have been nothing short of inspiring, with impressive scores against schools such as Alvarez High School (126-35), Watsonville High School (105-55 for girls and 96-30 for boys), and notable bouts against Notre Dame High School (115-33). As they gear up for future challenges, the team’s spirit, hard work, and camaraderie are sure to take them far.

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