Swim team looks to make a splash

San Benito High School swimmers have set lofty goals this year, with individuals looking to improve on their times and quality for the Central Coast Section meet.

Sophomore Catherine Nordstrom, a varsity swimmer, said her expectations for this season are “I want to be faster than last year and get closer to making CCS times. My goal is to improve. I’m just hoping to make CCS by junior year. So I hope to get one step closer to that goal.”

Sophomore varsity swimmer, Ryan Okubo also a varsity swimmer, said, “My expectation for this season is to go undefeated for the whole season.” My goals are to drop a lot of time for the 500 freestyle, so I can qualify for the CCS. I also want to work on my technique.”

Coach Fred Latimore said his expectations are “for all the swimmers to improve in their stroke area, and to have fun.”

To describe the season, Nordstrom said, “It is hard to balance school, outside activities, and swimming. The improvement in my times have made it worth it.” Okubo said, “It has been pretty fun so far. It is fun when we win a meet.”

Latimore added,” we are better each week. I have been pleasantly surprised by all the good swimmers we have, and they are constantly bettering themselves.”

Okubo said the most challenging part of swimming is going to morning practice. “When we have to wake up early in the morning to go swimming at 6 to 7a.m., it gets tiring,” He said.

Nordstrom said  the most challenging was going to practice every day, because it’s two hours that she doesn’t spend doing homework, or on other things.

Latimore said,”the most challenging part is the day-to-day practice. “Pushing past the mental barrier of can I swim the 500?”

The best part about swimming is “The people and the rush of adrenaline you get before your race, diving off the blocks into the still water, is what makes practice all worth it.” Nordstrom said. Okubo said the best part of swimming is getting to hanging out with his friends, and having friendly competitions.”

Both Nordstrom and Okubo would describe the swimmers and the team as diverse, because everyone has different backgrounds and different goals, and everyone is good at different strokes. Latimore describes the team as hard workers, and that they get along really well which is obvious in practice and in the meets, where they push each other to swim their best.