Swimming Into State

Swimming has always been an important part of my life. From learning the basics on how to survive if I fell in a pool, to perfecting some key techniques for each stroke, one could say swim was my life. After 12 years of non-stop swimming, my career has come to an end. Like many of the other ACP teams, the swim team connected and has become a family. From small traditions of chanting after each practice to singing Bohemian Rhapsody on ever bus ride home, our team is one.

ACP’s swim team had a great season, with a majority of meets won over the season. After three arduous months, ACP swim officially qualified for the AIA Division III State meet! ACP’s official state team included: Andrew Kang (9), Brennan Sweeney (11), Bridge Bach (10), Gerald Bowers (10), Hunter Paynich (11), Ian Phu (10), Isaac Stowell (11), Jacob Conklin (10), Jake Newman (11), Logan Sylvester (11), Nolan Murphy (12), Ryan Gray (10), Ryan  Redmond (12), Taylor Smith (11),  Yaniv Briker (9), Brisa Serrano (11), Cambelle Gregory (10), Caroline Whitesel (12), Emily Rake (11), Ivy McNeil (10), Kashish Mewani (12), Katherine Shimkus (9), Melanie Hass (12), Michelle Estrada (11), Molly McCarthy (10). Tiana Lam (12), and Torri Foster (11).

State was filled with many amazing moments that encompass our team as a whole, including karaoke, a shave party, and the annual pasta party the day before State. State is a great achievement only the best of the best swimmers qualify for. With that being said, our swimmers tirelessly trained to achieve this goal. I, along with my relay team and other teammates, were ecstatic the morning of State. Melanie Hass, current senior at ACP, took fourth place in many invents, including the 50 freestyle. Our swimmers also broke multiple school records, including the boys 50 Freestyle by Ryan Redmond, the 400 Free Relay by Katherine Shimkus, Torri Foster, Melanie Hass, and Tiana Lam, girls 500 freestyle by Melanie Hass, and many others. Way  to go, Knights!

After two grueling days of State, November 2 and November 3, ACP’s swimmers drove to Tempe High School to support the Volleyball Team at their own State game. Overall, State was a complete success for our swimmers! Personally, I will never forget state, for it was my last time swimming with the team I call my family. If you see any members of this year’s state team, make sure to congratulate them on qualifying for the biggest meet of this 2018 season!