Varsity girls swim defeated Claremont High School during their first home meet of the season with a score of 98-58 on March 12.
The first race started with a huge lead in the 200-meter medley relay, with the Mustangs pushing ahead during the first two laps. The Wolfpacks slowly started to gain on the Mustangs at the end, but the team finished strong, earning first place.
“At first the team felt unmotivated from the cold weather, but we were able to motivate ourselves and maintain a positive and confident attitude towards the races, so that we could swim to our best ability,” senior Esther Chang said.
Motivated by their first win, freshman Violet Wood competed in the 200 individual medley, pushing ahead during the freestyle stroke and winning first. The Mustangs celebrated again when junior Christie Lee claimed first in the 100 butterfly medley and the 200 freestyle relay.
“I think I did decent, I’m content with my times as it is still the beginning of the season. I feel like I can do better and drop as we do more meets and work harder,” Lee said. “Our team did really well as we were constantly motivating each other and we have trust in each other.”
In the 200 freestyle, the Mustangs went neck-and-neck with the Wolfpacks, falling behind as they stayed in the lead. Despite strong efforts, Claremont claimed first during the last few meters of the stroke, causing Walnut to take second place.
After the 10-minute halftime break, the Mustangs extended their wins with the 100 breaststroke, 100 freestyle and their last event with the 400 freestyle relay, where Chang placed first for the 100 freestyle with fast and efficient strokes and sealed her success.
“Swimming the 100 was pretty fun and exciting because it was over in four laps and was a quick race. Although I didn’t get any best times, I was still able to place first on all of my events and be positive for my other teammates,” Chang said.
The team plans to try new strategies and warm ups that focus on short distance sprints and controlled swimming during practice to ensure stronger and faster swims.
“When I came [to coach them], there was a lack of inspiration in the team, and I made it my top priority to inspire my athletes and push them every day to become a better swimmer,” coach Colin Chuang said. “My motivation and advice I give my team is to always embrace the pain. It will only make you stronger and tougher every single day.”
