On March 12, UHS Swim defeated the Northwood Timberwolves 557-431 at home, with the boys winning 305-190 and the girls winning 252-241. The win serves as an encouraging result for the Trojans as they begin the competitive part of their season undefeated.
UHS Swim secured strong performances from individuals and relay teams on their way to victory, with their final scores representing a cumulative total of placements in each event. Throughout the meet, the Trojans competed in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly races ranging from 50 to 500 yards. Many attributed the Trojans’ success at the meet to their rigorous endurance-based preparation in the weeks leading up to it.
“We train every weekday after school and twice a week in the weight room,” sophomore Chase Valentine said. “I think our training played a huge role in our win against Northwood.”
Valentine was a top performer in the 100-yard breaststroke and 200 individual medley, in which swimmers complete 50 yards of each of the four strokes. Senior captain Ian Sun helped lead his team to victory with a first-place finish in the 200 medley relay and second-place finishes in both the 50 freestyle and 200 freestyle relay. As a senior captain, Sun recognizes his role in fostering team morale.
“My biggest role as team captain is to serve as a leader and example for the rest of the team, whether that be through encouraging people to cheer on their teammates or giving them advice post-race on areas to improve,” Sun said. “I especially hope to bring energy to meets and pump up my teammates.”
On the girls’ side, freshman Maddy Dew placed first and hit a new personal record in both the 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke, while senior captain Rachel Park placed second in the 200 medley relay. Although the Trojans secured the win against the Timberwolves, Park stresses the importance of prioritizing individual progress as opposed to immediate results.
“I think the most important aspect of meets is how good we feel about our individual performances, regardless of how many points we score,” Park said. “At the end of the day, we are always trying to empower one another and help each other improve.”
Following the meet against Northwood, the Trojans hope to build on their momentum and strengthen team chemistry as they pursue their end-of-season goal.
“Ultimately, our goal is to work together and finish the season as league champions!” Dew said.
The Trojans will compete in their next meet on March 27 on the road against Laguna Hills.
