Girls Swimming Preview: High hopes in Sequim’s waters

The focus and goals remain the same after four years for girls swim coach Anita Benitez.

By Matthew Nash • September 9, 2015 2:00 am
Wolves girls swim coach Anita Benitez said her team looks to improve everyone’s times while sending more swimmers to districts and state than ever before. Team co-captain Holly Eiland said she likes the family atmosphere and camaraderie of the team and that there’s no drama.
Wolves girls swim coach Anita Benitez said her team looks to improve everyone’s times while sending more swimmers to districts and state than ever before. Team co-captain Holly Eiland said she likes the family atmosphere and camaraderie of the team and that there’s no drama.

SHS girls swim 2015 season preview

Head coach: Anita Benitez (fifth season) Assistant: Mark Pincikowski (fifth season)

2014 record: 2-5, tied for third place; one relay, three individuals to state 2A meet (tied for 33rd)

Returners: Jessica Craig (sr.), Victoria Fitzpatrick (sr.), Kayley Lofstrom (sr.), Carmen Wilwert (jr.), Stephanie Grow (jr.), Jaycee Thompson-Porrazzo (jr.), Annabelle Armstrong (so.), Natalie Barker (so.), Molly Braaten (jr.), Angela Carillo Burge (so.), Holly Eiland (sr.), Sydnee Linnane (so.), Aubree Young (so.)

Newcomers: Sarah Bacon (so.), Maria Bergauno, Joie Darminio (fr.), Sarin Rees, Heidi Schmitt (fr.), Allison Van De Wege (fr.), Kaitlyn Davis.

 

by MATTHEW NASH

Sequim Gazette

 

The focus and goals remain the same after four years for girls swim coach Anita Benitez.

“We hope to go back to districts and state with more girls than the year before and we want all the girls to improve on their times,” she said.

So far, she’s halfway there as the Wolves had their best showing at the 2A state meet since 2007.

Sequim lost graduated seniors Dani Barrow, who qualified for state in the 500 free and 200 IM, along with diver Emily Van Dyken, who placed 20th overall at state last fall.

But Sequim gets back three-quarters of the 200 medley relay team that earned a state berth, including senior Jessica Craig, senior Victoria Fitzpatrick and sophomore Sydnee Linnane.

Linnane also qualified for state 2A meet in the 100 backstroke in 2014.

The Wolves won’t have a diving team this year for various reasons, but assistant coach Mark Pincikowski remains on board.

“It’s the most solid team we’ve had from the start,” he said. “In the past we’ve had 5-8 beginners and this year we probably only have three inexperienced swimmers. We also have a much bigger JV squad so the program will continue to get better.”

Benitez said she’s noticed returning girls, particularly the varsity swimmers, are faster than last year so they’ve started the season with stronger than normal workouts.

Seniors Fitzpatrick and Holly Eiland serve as captains and they too feel good about the upcoming season.

Fitzpatrick said there are a lot of girls who have potential to breakout this season including Brazilian exchange student Maria Bergauno.

“She’s already making district times,” Fitzpatrick said. “She’s just so good. I’m excited to see if she’ll become a state champion.”

Eiland said she’s excited to see sophomore Aubree Young compete, too.

“She was in the third lane (JV) last year and now she’s varsity and has improved so much,” Eiland said.

“She’s been really working for this and I think she’s going to do great things.”

The girls and coaches say they are treating the season possibly as their last, senior or not, since the girls practice and compete in SARC, which faces a tentative closure in September 2016.

Benitez said they’ve investigated costs practicing and competing in Port Angeles but it would be too expensive for the Sequim School District.

“We hope the team will come out and support the Lady Wolves,” Fitzpatrick said.

A Lady Wolves Swim Team Booster Club was created to support the girls’ goggles and swimsuits, away meet meals and hotel stays for districts and state competition.

To make a donation and/or for more information, e-mail Loritha Fitzpatrick at newstepsc@gmail.com.