Despite facing a challenging meet against Berkeley High School, the Piedmont High School swim team showcased their resilience and determination.
Piedmont, with a smaller group than usual due to multiple meets occurring simultaneously, found themselves outnumbered by Berkeley. Berkeley had 63 swimmers while Piedmont had 25. However, this did not deter the team’s spirit. Several swimmers, including Simon March-Cunningham, Zach Dupree, Sam Smith, and Sam White rose to the occasion, stepping into new roles on varsity and the A relays.
Colby Price said a highlight for him was seeing a lot of improvement in certain swimmers.
“Zach Dupree’s remarkable improvement in the 100 fly, shaving off 1.5 seconds after a 5-second improvement the week before, and Sam White’s impressive performance in the 500 free, finishing with a time of 5:49 and pushing the field, were particularly commendable,” said Price.
GIRLS VARSITY Standouts:
- Senior Taylor Rolefson – 1st in 200 Free (2:01.93) and 100 Fly (1:01.58). High point earner.
- Junior Sonja ten Grotenhuis – 1st in 50 Free (27.15), 2nd in 100 Free (59.02)
- Junior Sydney Olson – 2nd in 50 Free (27.41) and 100 Fly (1:08.45)
- Sophomore Malia Shrieve – 2nd in 100 Breast (1:19.14)
- 200 Free Relay of Taylor, Sonja, Sydney and Sophomore Samantha White – 1st place (1:47.54)
GIRLS JV Standout: Junior Julia Montes 2nd place 100 Breast (1:32.46)
BOYS VARSITY Standouts:
- Senior Tom Rolefson – 1st place in 100 Free (50.98) and 50 Free (23.42). Co-High point earner (tied w/ Dima)
- Junior Dima Secor – 1st 100 Fly (54.92, NCS Consideration) and 200 Free (1:54.31). Co-High point earner (tied w/ Tom)
- Sophomore Nik Costello – 1st in 500 Free (5:14.73) and 2nd in 200 Free (1:58.76)
- Junior Simon March-Cunningham – 1st in 100 Breast (1:11.31)
- 200 Medley Relay 1st place – Nik on back, Dima on breast, Tom on fly, Simon on free (1:47.78)
- 200 Free Relay 1st place (Tom, Nik, Dima, Simon) (1:37.88)
Looking ahead, Piedmont is gearing up for a tri-meet with Encinal and Alameda. Despite missing many club swimmers, the team remains optimistic, knowing that their depth and talent will be showcased in this challenging yet promising event.