Record Number of Swimmers Advance to State Tournament

While track and basketball continue to fill the headlines, one Cambridge sport has been quietly dominant without much recognition in many students’ opinions.

“Swimming never really gets the attention it deserves,” says junior Danny Samalis.

Junior Bryce Boutelle — host of The Bridge’s sports segment: “The Blueprint” — believes it’s because the school does not have a pool.

“They might not get any recognition because they don’t have a pool on campus,” said Boutelle.

With six top-three finishes in 12 tournaments, Cambridge swimming refuses to be in the background.

Captain Colleen McCreanor, a senior, said, “This season, we’re working harder than ever with intense practices every day and sometimes twice a day. The team’s performance in the pool has impressed everyone.”

Cambridge has continued to win in clutch situations. Out of their four first-place finishes, the Bears beat their opponents by an average score of 860.5 to 833.875.
Such a low margin for error has reportedly given swimmers some important experience.

“The thing about swim is that milliseconds can be the difference between first and 10th place. Our team has been so successful this year at taking care of the small things each meet,” said McCreanor.

The state tournament is always the ultimate goal for every sport, as Cambridge’s swim team is beginning to shift their focus towards establishing a legacy.

Senior diver Maddie Chaloux said, “We’ve been practicing really hard this season and everyone is really focused on state. This year we’ve had four people qualify which is the most that has ever qualified since Cambridge opened so I’m really excited.”

The state finals for diving start today and swim competes on Friday and Saturday.

“Even though our success has changed, the team spirit is still thriving and we all still cheer on the swimmers in the water,” says McCreanor.