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After a very challenging yet successful past season, Head Coach Terry Stoddard says he is more than excited about the upcoming 2013 men’s and women’s swim season.

Stoddard is enthusiastic about incoming freshmen Darren Smith, a sprint specialist, and Chris Anderson who is a diver.

Stoddard believes that Smith and Anderson could potentially bring PCC some good looking scores this season.

Returning to the team is Stephen To, who won a state championship in the butterfly stroke, and Michael Chiodo, who specializes in the backstroke.

Stoddard said that he is proud of the returning men and women athletes. “It is tremendously challenging to balance academics and sports yet at the same time still containing proper preparation and discipline,” he said. “Our team has that discipline and for that I’m glad.”

On the women’s team Paige Watroba, an individual medley/butterfly specialist, will be taking the lead along with three incoming freshman. “The overall camaraderie of the team this season is what I’m pleased with. We are all so close simply because it’s a small group of girls it’s a great feeling,” Watroba said.

Incoming freshman Arolyn Basham, from La Salle High School, is versatile and due to that she may find herself doing many different events. “I am excited to be here and ready to kick the season off with a good start,” Basham stated.

Stoddard says that Shannon Cheung, who was born in Hong Kong but grew up in South Pasadena, is also on an aggressive academic/athletic  track, along with incoming freshman Emily Fredricks.

Stoddard thinks the only area of concern may be in individual events due to losing key sprinters to the armed services. “Three advance sprinters enlisted in the U.S Coast Guard, Marines and Navy,” Stoddard said. “They decided to put their education on hold and serve our country. I am very proud of those three men,” she said.

The first official competition takes place on Feb.15 with the South Coast Conference (SCC) Penthalon/Relays at East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park. After that there is a meet every week until the end of April.

 

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