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Varsity Boys Swimming
Boys Performing Well
By Meryl Fulinara

“As the swimming season comes to an end I think our team is one of the fastest and most close team in Valley’s swimming history,” explained varsity swim captain Mike Grizzle. In addition to that statement is the fact that this year’s team is 2nd only to Bellarmine in the prestigious West Catholic League. Out of all the athletes in the West Catholic Athletic League, Valley Christian’s own, Andrew Kikuta is the only one to place ahead of any of the athletes on the Bellarmine squad. Coach Cathy Manthey also explained, “This has been by far, the hardest working, varsity men’s team Valley has ever had. These young men pray together, socialize together, and can always count on each other. They truly exemplify the meaning of team.”

On March 18, Valley Christian pulled out a victory against Saint Ignatius with a score of 101-85. During the Saint Francis meet, Valley Christian dominated with their savage intensity and pulverized the dazed and confused Lancers, capping it off nicely with an impressive 114-71win. Coming off strong from their impressive three meet winning streak, they felt confident in the challenge of taking on their next opponent, the fierce Bellarmine Bells. Although the meet was intense and hard fought, it was the Bells who immerged the victors that day. Despite the loss, freshman, Kevin Parizi, set the new school record for the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 54.98 seconds. After the loss to Bellarmine Preparatory, Valley came back to beat Archbishop Riordan with a score of 142-27.

In and out of the pool, the guys have an explosive chemistry. A fusion of their personalities makes this year’s team different from all the rest. Recently they have nicknamed each other ghetto fabulous names such as, “Flava’ Flav, 2pac, 50 Cent, Notorious BIG, Fat Joe, R. Kelly, and Eminem,” but most of them do not resemble that of their rapper namesake. Be sure to give a shout out to your favorite swimmer when you see them walking down the halls or hanging out on the pool deck.