The King’s Academy boys and girls varsity swim teams are ready to get back in the pool and compete after a successful 2011 campaign, which saw the boys finish 13-2 and the girls 8-7. Many experienced swimmers have returned to lead the program this season, and expectations are high.
Seniors Jacob Percy and Julia Corley lead a record number of swimmers as they enter the season with an extremely competitive meet schedule. A majority of the team participated in an extensive dry-land conditioning program and stroke clinic under second-year head coach Katie Piccirillo at Lake Lytal.
Team-building exercises focused on building a strong chemistry early in the season. Senior Jake McCarty shared that the team has committed itself to the team verse found in Hebrews 12:1, which reads, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race before us.”
The season has already gotten off to strong start with the boys team defeating Lake Worth and Santaluces high schools in a tri-meet while the girls were victorious over Lake Worth as well. Sophomore Julian Ortega broke senior Percy’s school record in the 100-meter butterfly at the meet.
Piccirillo said she is excited for the team this season. “We have a very strong team this year, with numbers and natural talent working in our favor,” she said. “I’m excited to see these kids work hard and compete against some of the best swimmers in the state! I’m looking forward to seeing this vibrant group of kids make every day count and give all the glory to God.”
Above: King’s Academy swimmers hold a team meeting.
