Central Valley’s and Ceres High’s swim programs competed against league competition in recent weeks.
History was made on Central Valley’s campus on March 19 as the Hawks hosted their first-ever meet at their brand-new $5.5-million Aquatics Center.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Cristina Rocha, a second-year head coach and fifth-year Portuguese teacher at CV. “I’m super excited. The kids deserve their own facility to practice at and host meets. They’re athletes like in any other sport.”
Ceres Unified School District broke ground on Central Valley’s swim facility in December of 2022. The Aquatics Center is located between the gym and tennis courts near the entrance of the student parking lot.
FF&J Architects of Turlock and Aquatics Design of Carlsbad designed the pool.
Modesto contractor Acme Construction finished tile work, and installed touch pads in the pool and a Daktronics Scoreboard with a Colorado Timing System.
The swim facility was supposed to open in May but the completion date changed due to rainy weather and supply issues.
“He (Central Valley Athletic Director Greg Magni) has done a lot to make sure our swim program is supported here,” Rocha said.
“Having the facility on campus is going to increase interest,” she added. “Central Valley swim will get more notoriety.”
“It’s hard to run a program when you don’t really have a home,” Magni stated. “She (Rocha) has been patient. I’m really happy for her and the kids.”
Hawk swimmers practiced for the first time at their home facility on March 12.
“We’re just glad we have an opportunity to use the facility before the season ends,” Magni said. “It’s one of the top facilities in the area. It’s beautiful. We’re looking forward to the future. This is just the beginning.”
Central Valley tried its best to keep pace with visiting Central California Conference-rival Patterson.
“It was the first meet at Central Valley,” Rocha said. “That was really cool. I was nervous because I’ve never hosted a meet myself. The kids did awesome. They set a lot of PRs (personal records).”
The Hawks lost 108-50 to the Tigers in girls swimming.
Fernanda Patino swept the 100 fly and 100 breast.
Olivia Cervantes placed first in the 50 free and second in the 100 breast.
Brianna Barraza placed second in the 200 free and fourth in the 100 free.
Joellene Roton placed second in the 100 back and fifth in the 100 free.
Natalie Southavongsa placed fifth in the 200 free and 50 free.
Dayanara Rosales placed fifth in the 100 back.
Kamlya Loza placed sixth in the 50 free and 100 free.
Alexa Sedano placed sixth in the 200 free.
Ketzally Gomez placed sixth in the 100 back.
Central Valley’s boys team lost 118-21 to Patterson.
Phillip Esparza placed first in the 100 back.
Niels Rodriguez placed third in the 100 free and sixth in the 50 free.
Matt Torres Pichardo placed fourth in the 50 free and 100 free.
Heriberto Tellez Miranda placed fourth in the 100 free.
Sean Vernon placed fifth in the 50 free.
Ceres High dropped a pair of Western Athletic Conference dual meets to host Johansen on March 22 in Modesto.
“They’ve done pretty good so far this season,” Bulldogs’ head coach Angelique Huerta said. “A lot of the kids have seen improvement in their technique and times. I’m proud of how they’ve been doing.”
Ceres High’s girls team fell to 1-3 in the WAC standings after losing 89-51 to Johansen.
Jessie Blevins led the Bulldogs.
She swept the 500 free and 200 free.
She also swam a leg on Ceres High’s winning 400 free relay team.
Blevins set a personal record in the 500 free.
She trimmed nine seconds off her previous-best time.
“It’s a hard race to cut down time,” Huerta said. “You have to figure out the pacing. It’s 20 laps. It’s pretty tough.”
Alice Cornejo placed first in the 50 free.
Mikaela Canchola placed second in the 50 free and 100 back.
Makynzie Hale placed second in the 100 fly.
Megan Sather placed third in the 100 free.
Layla Gomez placed third in the 50 free and fourth in the 100 free.
Heaven Vasquez placed fifth in the 100 free.
Ceres High’s 400 free relay team of Blevins, Hale, Sather and Cornejo placed first.
Ceres High’s 200 free relay team of Hale, Cornejo, Vasquez and Sather placed second.
Ceres High’s shorthanded boys team suffered a 63-44 loss.
The Bulldogs (0-4) had just seven individuals compete against the Tigers.
“Because of our numbers, we haven’t won (as a team this year),” Huerta said. “I love the effort they’re putting in. They’re improving their strokes and getting better times.”
Jose Carranza, Jesus Valdovinos and Elijah Rodriguez led Ceres High.
Carranza placed first in the 200 free and second in the 100 fly.
Valdovinos placed first in the 100 breast and second in the 100 free.
Rodriguez placed first in the 50 free.
Victor Vaca placed third in the 50 free.
Aiden Cisneros placed fourth in the 100 free.
Salvador Puga placed fifth in the 50 free.
The Bulldogs’ 400 free relay team of Rodriguez, Carranza, Puga and Valdovinos placed first.
The Bulldogs’ 200 free relay team of Valdovinos, Carranza, Cisneros and Lorenzo Gradilla placed second.
