By Steve Breazeale
In a ceremony at the October 2 San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting, the reigning CIF Division 1 JSerra championship girls swim team was recognized for their historic run through the playoffs.
Coach Mary McLaughlin was accompanied by five swim team members who played an integral part in the Lions success last season. McLaughlin was gracious for the council’s recognition and announced the teams’ 2011 accolades which include: winning the Division 1 title, setting seven Trinity League records and having two Trinity League co-swimmers of the year among their ranks.
Each team member present stepped up to the podium to address the council and those in attendance.
Sophomore Brittany Kahn, who set the Division 1 record in the 500 freestyle event, stressed that team chemistry was a secret to the teams’ success.
“Because we’re all having so much fun (on the team), we tend to swim way faster,” Kahn said with a laugh.
Senior Rebecca Millard is the oldest member of the squad and has seen the team morph into a title contender.
“I’ve really seen this team grow. I remember (in 2010), we finished something like 22nd at CIF,” Millard said. “We came absolutely out of nowhere to win (CIF). We all walk with our heads up…we’re looking to win (CIF) again.”
The swim team presented the City Council with blue bracelets and “Joy Jars” of candy as part of the NEGU foundation’s effort to help children diagnosed with cancer. NEGU (negu.org) stands for “Never Ever Give Up,” which has become the team’s slogan.
