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Dolphins celebrate
Ceres recreational swim members recognized for season accomplishments
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Zachary Jones, Haley Fisicaro, Kadence Bispo and Julia Pata had standout campaigns for the Ceres Dolphins recreational swim club. Jones, Fisicaro, Bispo and Pata capped off the 2013 season by capturing High-Point trophies at the Mid Valley Swim League Champioships. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

The Ceres Dolphins recreational swim club held its year-end banquet at Ceres High School on July 21.

"It was a nice event," head coach Tracy Bull said.
More than 300 people attended the award ceremony.
Dolphin membership consumed more than 30 pizzas from Round Table.

"Within 15 minutes, they were gone," head coach Tracy Bull said. "We had to order 10 more."

Zachary Jones (17-18 boys), Haley Fisicaro (17-18 girls), Julia Pata (13-14 girls), Reuven Denton (13-14 boys), Hannah Denton (11-12 girls), Alyvea Olanolan (9-10 girls), Diego Armas (7-8 boys) and Kadence Bispo (6&under girls) took home Most Valuable Player awards.

Jones won all of his individual races this year.

He claimed High-Point titles at the Mid Valley Swim League Championships, and Tracy, Oakdale and Sea Dogs Invitationals.

"Zach broke records at every meet we went to with the exception of league finals," Bull said. "There's nobody out there who can push him. He's at another level that hasn't been seen before."

Pata also earned High-Point honors at four meets.
She took first at the MVSL finals, and Tracy and Sea Dogs competitions in 2012.

"She exploded onto the scene last year," Bull said. "She became a dominant swimmer. She was the most talented and feared girl in any age group this season."

Swimmer of the Year awards were presented to Manny Hernandez (17-18 boys), Megan Braverman (17-18 girls), Maureen Nelson (17-18 girls), Colin Ramos (15-16 boys), Jordan Pata (15-16 girls), Gurdeep Singh (13-14 boys), Katrina Guevara (13-14 girls), Ciana Sather (13-14 girls), Xavier Chavez (11-12 boys), Angelo Najera (11-12 boys), Camille Hartley (11-12 girls), Camryn Silva (11-12 girls), Jacob Pfanenstiel (9-10 boys), Victoria Silveria (9-10 girls), Aryanna Jimenez (9-10 girls), Andy Tan (7-8 boys), Danika Brar (7-8 boys), Andrew Silveria (6&under boys) and Bianca Najera (6&under boys).

Damien Madrigal (13-14 boys), Ally Feld (9-10 girls), Amanda Ricks (9-10 girls) and Sophia Kelley (6&under girls) all received Best New Swimmer awards.

Steven Sullivan (9-10 boys) was the recipient of the "Connor" Award.

Loved by all of his teammates and coaches, Dolphin Connor Saavedra passed away at the age of seven in July of 2010.
Ceres placed fifth at the MVSL final at Lathrop High School on July 20.

The Dolphins finished 4-2 in the league's dual-meet standings.

"This year's team worked harder than any team we've had," Bull said. "We had at least 25 kids swim 200 miles at practice. That's unheard of in recreation leagues. We got a good incoming class for Ceres High School. They'll be well-stocked."