Swimming: Cavemen open 2015 with solid numbers

CARLSBAD – Questions lingered entering 2015 whether the Carlsbad boys swim team could produce solid numbers quickly, given how young they are.

The Cavemen managed to exceed even coach Michelle White’s expectations in Tuesday’s season-opening meet against Andrews, posting solid individual numbers.

“They proved me wrong,” White said. “I always want them to exceed my expectations. I feel like they’re on the right path.”

Then again, she demanded they do to show Carlsbad can carry on the legacy left by last year’s seniors.

As a unit, the Cavemen stayed together all while dropping times over the course of the night.

Case in point, the boys 50-meter freestyle. Sophomores Tony Serrano (31.84 seconds) and David Duran (32.95), along with eighth graders Chris Pulice (34.60) and Chase Savoie (35.19) finished second through fifth, respectively, out of the 11 swimmers in the event. All four finished quicker than their previous seed times.

“It is absolutely great,” Serrano said.

Although he had some quality time swimming alongside Josh Smith, Randy Armstrong, Nick Harrison and Julian Leyva last year, those times were rather brief because that group had established a routine with that particular unit come race time. This year, Serrano is now in more of a leadership role.

“Last year, I really wanted to be involved in this and just drop time. Now, I actually am. This year, I’m definitely doing my hardest,” Serrano said.

There were additional events where the Cavemen posted second, third and fourth place finishes.

White said she likes seeing those kind of numbers across the board.

“I’m extremely proud of all those young men. With these drops in times, they’re showing me what they want; they want to get better,” White said. “We may be a small team, but they swam with heart.”

Carlsbad also pulled off individual victories in other events.

Eighth grader Tyler Plant (1:22.60) won the boys 100 meter backstroke in his Cavemen debut, while freshman Ross Meadors (1:32.45) won the boys 100 meter breaststroke.

Andrews (Texas) won in team results, 172-102. The only real difference between the two squads is that Andrews has more depth top to bottom, assistant coach Gordon Ingraham said.

Carlsbad had its on eyes on one thing: the boys’ individual results.

Ashley Young starts strong

The Cavegirls sophomore won the girls 200 meter individual medley race at 3:12.38 and finished second in the girls 100 meter breaststroke at 1:39.16.

White said she was happy to see Young post such results Tuesday, racing at full health. Young dealt with shoulder issues last year and also suffered a seizure at the Los Alamos Invite last December. White said those ailments “messed with” Young mentally, but now her body’s responding well to her recovery time and training.

“We can push her harder now. Every time we have a meet, I want to see her dropping time,” White said.

Andrews beat Carlsbad 225-57 in girls team results.

Pecos (Texas) has its quarterly exams this week and was unable to make the trip to Carlsbad, Ingraham said.

Carlsbad will host the Carlsbad Invitational at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Current-Argus Sports Editor Matt Hollinshead may be reached at 575-628-5518.