The Swim Team Has an Increase in Interest
As swim team continues to grow, the dive team returns to Pioneer High School.
By Tatiana Viera
As swim team continues to grow, the dive team returns to Pioneer High School.
By Tatiana Viera
Pioneer’s dive team has returned with new members after its absence of four years while the swim team starts the season with an increase in interest.
During the 2021-22 swim season, 73 members were on the team and for the current season, there are 80. For swim meets, each event only has three swimmers from each school, meaning with more members this year, some swimmers don’t get to compete. To combat this, varsity head coach Beth Korbus, has exhibition meets during the diving portion of swim meets, to allow those swimmers to still participate.
Even though the dive team practices at Leigh High School due to pool restrictions at Pioneer, they were still able to form this year since there was some interest.
“There are only three of us but I like that we are all still supportive of each other and we get along well,” said Hailey Tipton, 9.
Along with the freshmen competing as divers, the swim team also has seen an increased number of freshmen interested this season.
“I am excited for this season. We have a great group of swimmers and a lot of experienced freshmen have joined the team which continues to add to our depth,” said Korbus. “Our first two meets have been successful, all four of our teams beat Santa Teresa and Willow Glen. So, it's been a great start to the season.”
As a swim team captain, Jackson Ryan, 11, sees the bigger team as another factor in the level of competitiveness between teammates.
“The main challenge with new interest for the sport is competitiveness. There are only a few spots for each race,” said Ryan.
Swimming for most of his life has allowed Rhys Allison, 12, to enjoy the atmosphere of being at school swim meets with his friends.
“Swim has impacted my school life a lot. Swimming and racing can make people so mentally strong and I think just strengthening your mind helps with life in general,” said Allison.
As the season continues, Korbus is excited for all the talent that the team has and how each swimmer will be able to contribute.
“We have a lot of depth on our team this year. Our varsity girls’ team, specifically, is very strong, we've already had two relays get their (Central Coast Section) cuts and freshman Eleni Charnas got her CCS cut in the 50 Free against Willow Glen this week. It is still early in the season, so I expect many more swimmers will get their CCS cuts,” said Korbus.
During the 2021-22 swim season, 73 members were on the team and for the current season, there are 80. For swim meets, each event only has three swimmers from each school, meaning with more members this year, some swimmers don’t get to compete. To combat this, varsity head coach Beth Korbus, has exhibition meets during the diving portion of swim meets, to allow those swimmers to still participate.
Even though the dive team practices at Leigh High School due to pool restrictions at Pioneer, they were still able to form this year since there was some interest.
“There are only three of us but I like that we are all still supportive of each other and we get along well,” said Hailey Tipton, 9.
Along with the freshmen competing as divers, the swim team also has seen an increased number of freshmen interested this season.
“I am excited for this season. We have a great group of swimmers and a lot of experienced freshmen have joined the team which continues to add to our depth,” said Korbus. “Our first two meets have been successful, all four of our teams beat Santa Teresa and Willow Glen. So, it's been a great start to the season.”
As a swim team captain, Jackson Ryan, 11, sees the bigger team as another factor in the level of competitiveness between teammates.
“The main challenge with new interest for the sport is competitiveness. There are only a few spots for each race,” said Ryan.
Swimming for most of his life has allowed Rhys Allison, 12, to enjoy the atmosphere of being at school swim meets with his friends.
“Swim has impacted my school life a lot. Swimming and racing can make people so mentally strong and I think just strengthening your mind helps with life in general,” said Allison.
As the season continues, Korbus is excited for all the talent that the team has and how each swimmer will be able to contribute.
“We have a lot of depth on our team this year. Our varsity girls’ team, specifically, is very strong, we've already had two relays get their (Central Coast Section) cuts and freshman Eleni Charnas got her CCS cut in the 50 Free against Willow Glen this week. It is still early in the season, so I expect many more swimmers will get their CCS cuts,” said Korbus.