Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Sports

Just Keep Swimming... Gilman Swim Team Races Towards Championships

David Williams '11
Febuary 4, 2010

The Gilman swim team has started off strong once again as they attempt to capture their third consecutive MIAA “B” Conference championship. They are 4-0, posting conference wins over Spalding and Severn as well as two “A” Conference victories over Calvert Hall and Mt. St. Joseph.

The team and coaching staff have high expectations for this season as they hope to carry on last year’s success when they won their second straight conference championship. In a recent interview, Coach Brooks said, “It’s clear that the team has a strong desire to win this year. We have had some great swims so far and everyone is working hard in practice. I firmly believe this hard work will pay off.” St. Paul’s and Spalding should both post threats against the Hounds, but everyone is confident they can handle the competition.

Despite losing valuable swimmers in last year’s senior class, the Hounds return many talented members from last year’s championship squad. The team is lead by senior captain Liam Gallagher, one of the team’s most talented and versatile swimmers who can swim in almost every event. His passion, work ethic, and tremendous times help to unite and inspire the team. Other senior leaders include Jon Markowitz and Scott Johnson, who are both talented free style swimmers. The Hounds have arguably the best breaststroke lineup in the conference, which includes juniors Chuckie Knudsen and Austin Dase and freshman Muhammed Hudhud. Austin Dase spoke on this matter: “I am really looking forward to our breaststroke team. The best part is that most of my competition is on my own team.” Gilman also has a stacked sophomore class which includes the “NBAC Trio” of Jack Pollac, Will Meadows, and Michael Morrow. Their abilities in the distance events are going to be vital to the team’s success.

The team also looks to the leadership from their coaching staff, which includes Coach Brooks and Coach Silverman. They have been huge for Gilman over the past few years and continue to be a big part of the team’s success. Gallagher says of his head coach, “Coach Brooks applies his immense swimming and mathematical knowledge to every practice and meet to insure that we swim the optimal number of yards or best match up against opponents.”

The Gilman swim team is expecting big things this year as they continue to assert themselves as a powerhouse in the MIAA. Gallagher says of his team, “We are looking to dominate the conference this year as we move towards a three-peat victory at championships.”