Swimming makes a comeback

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 17:26:00 GMT

By Victoria Sanz

Art by Katie Bueno

G-G-G-A-B-L-L-L-E-S. G-A-B-L-E-S. GOOO GABLES! Although this chant might not sound too familiar to the random student, this is the chant of the Cavalier swimmers. Perhaps the student body should consider learning it, because this formerly lost team has found its way back into the winner’s circle. This last season has been one of reviving team spirits and having fun simultaneously. The drastic change in their number of victories could be due to a number of things. This season they got three new coaches, a new group of freshman, and a new attitude of serious determination and hard work. Individuals have been stepping up their game and putting forth a big effort to attend every practice. This could be because, after the loss of their seniors last year, a crucial part of the team, everyone had to start practicing for new events that they were often not prepared for. Still, they managed to succeed in their new fields of water. One of their new coaches is Julie Sarmiento. She has an unusual point of view as to what contributed to the amount of wins this season. “I really do love these kids. We’ve really bonded this season. I am very proud of them; they’ve been swimming their little butts off,” Sarmiento said. Maybe the fact that they have bonded affected the attitudes of the swimmers and boosted their spirits and their love for the sport even. “There is definitely a lot of team spirit,” Brent Knowles, freshman swimmer, said. The freshmen also feel it is important to avoid disappointing the upperclassmen. “I look up to Mr.Bixby [Tyler Bixby], Meagan “The Crunk” Brunk [Meagan Brunk] and Silly Silv [Silvia Fernandez],” Knowles said. So the upper classmen setting an example for the newcomers also plays a part in the newfound victories. The other new coach, or trainer, is “Pico”. A life guard at the A.D. Barnes Park pool, he came to the rescue when last year’s coach found herself unable to coach the team this year. All team members interviewed mentioned the amount of effort that Pico dedicates to team practices. Also, the amount of discipline asked for has increased over last year. “We have a new trainer who is a lot stricter and requires a lot more discipline,” Kelli Fraga, senior captain, said. Fraga is the new captain. Most see her as a strong and serious leader and her methods have contributed to their wins in a very positive way. Most students agree that the team has earned recognition in regards to their wins and losses this year. Overall, a perfect recipe for a comeback was achieved this year. With new coaches, team members, and a brand new spanking attitude, they are set for victories to come through the years.