As the spring sports season comes to a close, Palo Alto High School’s boys swimming and diving teams works towards their high hopes as they near their final competitions.
The teams still holds high expectations for both the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League (SCVAL) championship finals and for Central Coast Section (CCS) playoffs and have their successful season to back it up.
Varsity swim captain, Ethan Look believes that the teams’ success has surpassed his initial expectation, painting an optimistic sentiment approaching the end of the swim season.
“Through our league meets so far, our team has really excelled, exceeding any expectations we had entering the season,” Look said. “We’ve come quite far as a team and couldn’t be more fired up about the end of our season.”
Monta Vista High School posed the greatest obstacle for the boys swimming and diving teams and most anticipated SCVAL competitor this season. According to junior diver Scott Hillen, the swimmers and divers worked hand-in-hand in their meet against Monta Vista. This teamwork is what led to their victory. After winning against Monta Vista, the swimming and diving teams are now more confident that they can continue this hot streak into the SCVAL league finals and CCS playoffs.
“Monta Vista was our biggest competition in the league dual meets and we took care of that, so I am very confident that we will continue to win our meets and go undefeated in leagues,” senior Omri Newman said.
Look says that although the team is confident, it is still working hard to extend its successful season.
“We need to keep our motivation high and focus on the big picture,” Look said. “Each week is just a stepping stone.”
In reflecting on the team’s season, Merritt remarks on the team’s growth and how it has contributed to its successful season.
“I think everyone did well,” Merritt said. “I think we had a great turnout this year. A lot of people joined and [lent] a helping hand to the team which was great and there were a bunch of people who I saw improve tremendously and actually score some points in the meets.”
