Warren swimmers young but versatile

DOWNEY - The Warren High School girls' swim team currently has an overall record of 3-2 in dual meet competition and will begin league action in April.The Lady Bears lost to La Serna 87-83, defeated Sunny Hills 109-61, lost to Cerritos 100-69, defeated Whitney 126-112 and defeated Artesia 126-65. The Lady Bears return several key swimmers from last year's team. Sophomores Brittney Baron, Valerie Orozco and Kim Shepherd all return with more experience and speed, along with juniors Jocelyn Castro, Kayla Casas, Kelly Tovalin and Destiny Hernandez. Star Meza is the sole returning senior. Coach Cordero said she is pleased with sophomore sprint and breaststroke swimmer Jackie Hanein as well as freestyle and butterfly swimmer Debra Jeong. Both swimmers have been moved up from a talented junior varsity team to add more depth and versatility. Coach Cordero also stated that Justine Castro "has been a key addition and great surprise for us." "Justine adds a great deal of speed in the freestyle events and also swims the backstroke," Cordero said. Because of Castro's versatility, "I can extend all of my relay line-ups," Cordero said. Coach Cordero likes her team's depth and versatility and is very pleased with how well her team is swimming right now. Cordero believes Downey and Gahr will provide solid league competition because they have quality sprinters and good swimmers. Coach Cordero and her Lady Bears are looking forward to the start of the league season and qualifying as many swimmers as she can for C.I.F.

********** Published: March 28, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 50