Downey swimmers tie Whitney

DOWNEY - The Downey High School girls' swim team currently has a 9-0-1 overall record and are 1-0 in league competition. The Lady Vikings tie came against Whitney High School of Cerritos on April 4 and the league opening victory came at the expense of an overmatched Paramount squad on April 5.The Lady Vikings were scheduled to swim against Gahr on April 19 (score unavailable at press time) and will battle cross-town rival Warren the following Thursday, April 26, at 3 p.m. The Lady Vikings return several key swimmers from last year's team. Standout and former East Knight Megan Nevarez is back swimming the 50 and 100 meter freestyle events. Senior and former East Knight Faith Hundoft is back and swimming the 200 meter freestyle and 100 meter breaststroke. Sophomore Lucia Rodriguez is swimming the 200 meter individual medley and 500 meter freestyle. Sophomore Lishtyeri Curiel is also swimming the 200 meter individual medley and the 100 meter backstroke. Interestingly, Coach Castro was very pleased with his spring break practice turnouts. As many high school students leave town and spend vacation time with their families, the Lady Vikings consistently had 35 girls at practice and were working hard to improve. Coach Castro, now in his 12th year as coach of Downey girls swimming, is very pleased with the improvements Megan Nevarez has made this season. Megan has clocked an impressive 25.4 seconds in the 50 meter freestyle. Coach Castro is also very pleased with the continued improvement of sophomore Olivia Aguirre. According to Castro, Aguirre has done a solid job in the relay events and adds needed depth there.

********** Published: April 19, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 01