HONORING CREAN LUTHERAN: Swim teams were looking for promising seasons

Members of the Crean Lutheran swim teams were (back row) left to right Ryan Goldstone, John Ryan Cogger, Blaise Tomassian, assistant coach Ricca Taneca, co-head Coach Millicent Powell, co-head coach Todd Brinker, Nicholas Mok, Samuel Hoang and Anthony Fitzgerald. Middle row: William Sun, William Ma, Moses Yoon, Nathan Treglia, Kanoa Loo, Andrew Choi, Jacob Tung and James Tate Fitzgerald. Front row: Ivanna Zamora, Morgan Kampfer, Sophia Guntrip, Chloe Parker, Elizabeth Brandt, Addison Boomsma, Summer Pietila, Taylor Schmaltz and Mandalyn Brenner Not Pictured: Joey Schell, Brianna Zaffina and Anthony Reynafarje. (Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran, Yary photography)

Crean Lutheran High School’s swim teams had added depth going into the season and the prospects were bright before the season ended early because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We didn’t really have a team record because we didn’t have any dual meets,” said co-head coach Millicent Powell. “We placed third overall at the 10th annual Riverside Poly Pentathlon.

“This season started with high promise with our largest team in history. We were overjoyed to add 10 boys and six girls to our roster and expand the program to 29. All of our swimmers worked every day to prepare for the upcoming dual meets and to build team spirit. Each week the captains would lead the team with a devotional quote, ask for prayer requests and focus on the word of the Lord with a prayer.”

Powell also talked about the contributions of the seniors.

“We were led by five amazing seniors Anthony Fitzgerald, Joey Schell, Jacob Tung, Mandy Brenner and Ivanna Zamora. Team captain Anthony currently holds the school record in the 100 breaststroke, has qualified for CIF in the 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke, and has been a part of the CIF qualifying relays for the boys’ team.

“Jacob Tung has contributed many points with his freestyle sprinting speed and has been a part of the CIF qualifying relays for the boys’ team. Team captain Joey Schell has been a part of the CIF qualifying relays for the boys’ team. Team captain Mandy Brenner was a member of the 2017 CIF championship team and three- time CIF and state finalist, as well as CIF champion in 50 and 100 free in the 2019 season. She was a member of the teams who currently hold the CIF 200 medley relay record and 200 freestyle relay record in Division 2.

“Team captain Ivana Zamora has contributed many points with her backstroke and freestyle speed and has been a part of the CIF qualifying relays for the girls’ team.”