“10 100s on 1:10.” To a non-swimmer, this sounds like a bunch of nonsense. To a swimmer, this is a workout that feels the opposite of good. The Cathedral Prep swim team grinds through interval workouts like this and technique exercises every day to get their times down. The team swims six days a week and lifts three of those days.
A couple of things have changed in the past year. First of all, this will be the team’s first full season practicing at the PVEC Aquatic Center. The David Hallman Aquatic Center houses an eight-lane, all-deep pool, as well as a three-lane, shallow warm-up pool. Compared to the old four-lane, 20-yard pool in the school, this is a major improvement. Also, Prep’s team has switched to AA this year, after having been AAA for many years. As Coach Mike Doyle has stated, “The goal, now, is to win states.”
With the change in division, Prep will be facing new competition at the district and state level. While dual meets will stay the same, with Prep swimming teams within its region, districts and states will have Prep competing against new competitors, such as Fairview.
Led by captains Jacob Schmidt and Tony Squeglia, the team has a lot of potential. On the sprint side of things Prep has Jake Schmidt and Thomas Uht tearing up the 100 and 50 freestyle. On the distance side of things Prep has Alec Thomas and Mitch Cizmek grinding through the 500, and Tony Squeglia tends to dominate the 200.
Swimming breast stroke are Calvin Behm and John Paul Stark, swimming butterfly are Matthew Wegley and Tony Squeglia, and swimming backstroke are Robert Maholic and Ethan Neff, who broke the pool record in the 100 backstroke as a freshman. Take note that each swimmer is not limited to only swimming these events. These just happen to be what they have become known for on the team. What makes Prep’s team a force to be reckoned with is its depth. It is made up of well-rounded swimmers who are capable of competing in many different events.
The future looks bright for the Cathedral Prep swim team. From the seniors to the freshmen, each class has talent. You can catch them in action against rival McDowell at 6 p.m. on Jan. 5 at the David Hallman Aquatic Center at PVEC.