Miramonte Swim Team to Begin 2001 Season

By:Ashley Howerton

In the case of the Miramonte Matadors, the presence of the enemy seems to encourage even more focus and dedication during practices. "We can't ever let down our guard, because the entire Campo swim team would be right there to witness our downfall," said Stephanie Herrero, a Miramonte senior and co-captain of the varsity women's swim team.

As the Miramonte pool is currently being renovated, the Matadors, also known as the "Mats," practice at the Soda Aquatic Center at Campolindo High School. This brand-new complex houses two gutter-walled pools, as well as a new state-of-the-art pool designed with the technologically advanced gutter-overflow-system. This innovation allows a swimmer's wake to flow over the side of the pool into a separate gutter, instead of rebounding off the side walls of the pool and causing the water to be more turbulent.

Campolindo and Miramonte have been longtime rivals, especially in swimming, so the simultaneous practices have only increased the intensity of workouts. Team unity and pride have augmented, and practices have even ended in cheering matches between the two squads. However, when the Campolindo Cougars boasted, "We've got a pool, how 'bout you?" the Matadors were left speechless and unable to retaliate, and they were forced to admit that in one respect, Campolindo had the upper hand.

However, having a pool does not determine the quality of a team. While Miramonte may not have their own facilities at the moment, they do have a very strong coaching staff, led by Head Coach Don Heidary and supported by Assistant Head Coaches Victor Ivry and Kevin Honey, all of whom have been involved with Miramonte swimming for over ten years.

Coach Heidary, affectionately called "Donnie" by swim team members, has led the Mats to numerous victories in both league and North Coast Section meets. The Mats finished off the spring 2000 season solidly, with the men's and women's teams winning second place and third place, respectively, at the North Coast Section Championship Meet.

The Mats officially begin their spring 2001 season on Friday, March 16 with a meet vs. Dublin High School. The time trials meet set for March 9 was cancelled due to a time conflict with the Miramonte Sadie Hawkins Dance. Therefore, the meet vs. Dublin will double as a time trials meet.

Unfortunately for the Mats, the meet vs. Dublin conflicts with the Regionals Meet for members of the local U.S.S. club team, Orinda Aquatics. As a result, many of the Mats strongest swimmers (who belong to the year-round Orinda Aquatics team, in addition to the Miramonte High School team) will not attend the meet vs. Dublin.

The Mats are still confident that they will prevail over Dublin, as many fast swimmers only compete for Miramontes team, including senior co-captains Herrero, Trevor Rose, and Pascal Martin. This meet is just a warm-up for the Campo meet, Herrero said with a confident grin.