Fresh off an energetic effort in last week’s annual
intrasquad meet, the Xavier Prep swimming and diving team is ready to rock in
its season opener on Thursday (Sept. 3) at Chandler High.
The Gators are led by second-year coach Kelley Conrad and
long-time diving coach Frank Pipitone.
“I’m seeing a lot of positives and the willingness to work
hard,’’ said Conrad. “We are a close-knit team and I think we are more
well-rounded than last year (when XCP finished fourth in the Division I state
meet).
“We want to swim fast and have fun doing it.’’
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| Xavier swimmers mark the spot at Brophy pool. (Photo courtesy Sr. Lynn Winsor). |
One swimmer who hopes to follow that aqua blueprint is Allie
Worrall, a senior co-captain. She competes in the 50- and 100-yard freestyles.
She finished eighth in the 50 free and sixth in the 100 free in the state meet.
Worrall suffered a shoulder injury as a sophomore, came back
last year after rehabilitation and this year says she is at full strength.
“I have been practicing my springs with a good tempo, and I
think I have improved a lot with the walls and turns,’’ said Worrall, who is
due to make three visits to potential colleges this fall.
“I still feel I will be able to qualify (for the state
meet),’’ she said.
Pipitone has been coaching diving for about 25 years,
including a handful of years at Xavier. He also coaches diving at neighboring
Brophy Prep.
“This is probably the best group of girls I have had as a
coach,’’ he said. “The character these girls have is amazing. There’s a lot to
be said for that.
“I think we are going to be strong this year. We have four
freshmen coming in who should help us be really competitive.’’
Xavier’s top diver will be senior captain Libby Decker.
Camryn Olhausen and Alyssa Largay will battle for the No. 2 spot, and the No. 3
spot during meets is up for grabs with just about everyone having a chance.
“We are versatile, so it will come down to who is diving the
best at that particular time,’’ Pipitone said.
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