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Setting their swim caps and goggles in place, the Cardinal swimmers made a splash by breaking 12 league records at championship.
On May 1 at City College of San Francisco, the Cardinals entered the All-City Championships against the Washington Eagles, Balboa Buccaneers, Lincoln Mustangs, Galileo Lions and the Wallenberg Bulldogs.
Despite tough competition, the Cardinals came out on top with the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams and the girls’ JV team winning first place while boys’ junior varsity won second after the Mustangs. “This year's championship was really intense,” senior varsity swimmer Erica Fung said. “The swimmers from all the schools have gotten faster, so Lowell had pretty hard-hitting competition this year.”
According to senior varsity swimmer Celia Liang, going into the championship was a nerve-wracking experience. “During the season, Washington was our biggest rival and we had to stay determined and focused, never letting our guard down when we swam,” Liang said. “We were nervous, but we knew had to stay consistent until the end.”
Out of 12 records broken, Lowell now holds the record for all varsity relays, boys’ and girls’. According to freshman varsity member Leslie Fung, there were many close matches, including the Boys’ Varsity 200-yard Medley. “Lowell and Washington were head-to-head until the last two laps, but then the anchor for our relay beat Washington by half a body length,” she said.
Although the season has come to a close, team members reminisce on the closeness that led them to a strong victory. “Every moment during the swim season is a moment to be treasured because we practice together, race together, have fun together and even suffer together,” Fung said. “This season is the closest the team has ever gotten. Our tight bonds with one another were the key to our continuation of our domination. “
MVP
The Lowell’s choice for Most Valuable Player is senior varsity co-captain Kevin Lee. Working hard to help lead the team to victory even in his senior year, he has encouraged his fellow teammates to never let their guard down. “Kevin has been a great leader to us. I know that he pushes himself to his limits, inspiring us to do the same,” sophomore varsity member Helen Tang said.
This year, Lee swam in the 200-yard medley and freestyle relays and contributed to the team breaking both records. “He has a positive influence on the team and keeps us in line and focused with the other team captains,” sophomore varsity member Amanda Chun said.
Although Kevin is graduating this year, he will swim next year on Vassar College’s swim team and will continue to swim on his USA Swimming club team, Koret Youth Swim Club. |
