The King’s Academy swimming program seemed destined for success. The Full Page Aquatics Center on the TKA campus is constantly full of swimmers training.
On Saturday, Oct. 5, the inevitable finally happened as the school’s varsity boys swimming team claimed the school’s first ever Palm Beach County team championship, defeating area and state powers like Jupiter High School and St. Andrew’s School, as well as more than 30 other Palm Beach County high schools.
Along the way, the swimmers broke many school and even county records. The 200 medley relay was dominated by Josh Zuchowski, along with Noah Sipowski, Christian Proscia and Riley Taylor; the 200 free relay school record was broken by the team of Will Coady, Riley Taylor, Karthus Huang and Pace Edwards; the 200 free school record was broken by Pace Edwards; and 100 back county record was broken by Josh Zuchowski; the 200 IM county record was broken by Josh Zuchowski; and the 400 freestyle relay team of Pace Edwards, Will Coady, Noah Sipowski and Josh Zuchowski sealed the championship on the final race of the evening with a come-from-behind win that brought the crowd to its feet in excitement.
Zuchowski was awarded the “Swimmer of the Meet” award for his dominating performance. He won each race he participated in, set two county records, qualified for All-American status and anchored the dramatic come-from-behind relay race victory.
“Winning a championship at this level requires so many contributing athletes. It can’t just be Josh. As good as he is, he can’t win things like this on his own. That’s what this championship means to me; it means we really are a team and not just a one-man show,” said Aquatics Director Jonathan Zuchowski, the varsity boys swimming coach.
Director of Athletics Dr. Chris Hobbs congratulated the team on its achievement.
“These student-athletes train so hard outside of the limelight,” he said. “I just feel great for them that not only did they put themselves in a position to contend on such a big stage, but that they came through and delivered.”
The King’s Academy Athletic Department strives to use “excellence in athletics” to have eternal impact on its student-athletes. A member of the Florida High School Athletic Association, the Lions have claimed 123 district titles, 40 regional titles and 11 state championships. TKA student-athletes have gone on to successful collegiate athletic careers at some of the most accomplished universities in the country, as well as professional athletic careers in baseball, basketball, football, soccer and volleyball.
For more information about TKA’s Athletic Department, visit www.tkalions.net or follow on social media @TKALions.
