A year ago, the Hollister High swim team won its first ever
league title when it captured the Monterey Bay League. The Balers
can take a big step towards a second straight league title this
Friday when the Tri-County Athletic League opens up at Live
Oak.
A year ago, the Hollister High swim team won its first ever league title when it captured the Monterey Bay League. The Balers can take a big step towards a second straight league title this Friday when the Tri-County Athletic League opens up at Live Oak.
Without Monterey in the league, Baler head coach Derek Kisling, who begins his fifth season, feels the Acorns and Salinas are the teams to beat, along with his club.
“Salinas has a lot of depth,” said Kisling. “And Live Oak is always good.”
Kisling’s happy with this year’s version, which will count heavily on a talented sophomore class.
“Last year, we were blessed with an influx of fast freshmen,” said Kisling. “We have some fast seniors this year, too. Depth could be the key for us this year.”
Of course, one has to start in the freestyle with senior Britta Nordstrom, who placed 16th in the 50-freestyle in CCS last year.
“I’d like to see Britta place in the 100 this year,” said Kisling. “She knows she has one last shot at it.”
Helping in the freestyle sprints is junior Erin Reed and senior Janelle Brandon, one of the most versatile swimmers on the club.
Three swimmers actually qualified for the CCS meet, which will be held the third week in May. Qualifying in a practice meet with Santa Catalina last week are Stacy Lass (100-back), Juliana Sih (100-breast) and Denise Simens (100-breast).
“The league has changed,” said Simens. “We can win T-CAL’s. Live Oak will be the only challenge.”
Kisling is also counting on a transfer from Gilroy, senior Betsy Shimer. Shimer will score points in the breaststroke and the distance freestyle.
“She’s one of those unexpected surprises,” said Kisling.
Sophomore Amanda Rodriguez has been impressing thus far in the butterfly and the IM.
“Amanda’s coming on real strong,” said Kisling. “So is Sih and Lass. I expect them to have some fast times this year.”
Sophomore Kathryn Adamek will add depth in the freestyle and backstroke.
Kisling hasn’t narrowed down his relays yet.
“I’m still putting that together,” he said.
Diving for the Baler girls are seniors Jennifer Tremblay, Courtney Wright and Brianna Griffith.
The Balers play a home and home against each team, meaning that there are 10 dual meets. The first home meet for the Balers is April 4 against Salinas. The T-CAL meet is May 14 at Live Oak.
2003 swim schedule
March 7 – at Live Oak
March 21 – at Gilroy
March 27 – at Notre Dame
April 4 – Salinas
April 9 – at North Salinas
April 11 – Live Oak
April 30 – Gilroy
May 2 – Notre Dame
May 7 – at Salinas
May 9 – North Salinas
May 14 – T-CAL championships at Live Oak
All meets are T-CAL dual meets starting at 3 p.m.
