By Olivia Nouriani
Assoc. Opinion Editor
Several individuals on girls’ and boys’ swimming earned league titles at the Rio Hondo League finals on Friday, May 8, capping the end to their regular season, in which both teams earned first in League.
The team took down Temple City to remain undefeated and finish the season on April 30. Friday’s finals confirmed championships for individual swimmers, as well as qualifying several individuals from both teams for CIF Division 2.
Several varsity girls qualified automatically for CIF, led by captain senior Sabrina Zavala, who took first at 5:05.30 in the 500 Yard Freestyle and earning the Rio Hondo title, after qualifying for CIF consideration in the 200 Individual Medley. Senior Grace Wakabayashi dropped four seconds from her preliminary time in the 200 Free, coming in at 1:54.54 to qualify automatically as well as earn the league title. Captain seniors Kate Iio and Jasmine Lee each qualified for consideration in the 50 free, with Iio taking the championship. Lee came out strong again to take first in the 100 backstroke.
The boys’ followed suit with success. Captain senior Garrett Tse took the 200 IM title at 1:52.07 to then took second 100 Butterfly, followed by sophomore Jacob Mullin in third, both qualifying automatically for CIF. Junior Willie Lau earned the 100 Free title at 49.36.
Both squads were met with success in relays as well, with the girls earning the title in the 200 Free and boys in the 200 Medley.
Finals bring an end to the Rio Hondo season, and qualified individuals will continue to train for CIF.
“The team worked really hard up to the meet, with many of our swimmers and relays making last minute CIF cuts to the cheers of their teammates on deck,” sophomore Perah Ralin said. “Those who qualified will keep training with our coaches for the next few weeks.”
