Ceres Dolphins recreational youth swim club member Tyler Padilla ruled the pool this summer.
The 16-year-old put the finishing touches on a perfect season by winning the 100 IM, 100 fly and 100 breast at the Mid Valley Swim League Championships on Saturday, July 25 in Turlock.
Padilla posted a 18-0 record this year.
"It certainly doesn't surprise me," head coach Tracy Bull said. "The last time I saw him swim, I thought he was as talented as anyone in the league. He's always had strong technique. He's a natural."
Tyler rejoined the Dolphins following a five-year break.
"We were fortunate enough to get him for the second half of the season," said Bull, who recruited Padilla with help from Ceres swimmer Kyle Martinez after losing a number of athletes to the Modesto-Stanislaus Sharks program. "He was lifting weights and getting ready for football."
Padilla, a soon-to-be sophomore at Central Catholic, last competed for the Dolphins in the 11-12-year-old division during the 2004 campaign. Martinez, Tyler's good friend, will be attending the same high school.
Padilla excelled despite a late start to the season.
He claimed high-point awards at the MVSL, Oakdale and Hughson competitions.
Tyler also finished undefeated at two tri meets and one dual.
"No one's really come close to beating Tyler," Bull said. "He's very consistent in his training. He's a hard worker. Technique wise, he's probably the best breast stroker I have ever seen."
Padilla provided leadership as well.
"He's everything you can ask for in a young man," Bull said. "The other kids look up to him."
Tyler will dedicate time to three sports at Central Catholic, including football, baseball and swimming.
"He's a phenomenal athlete," Bull said.
The 16-year-old put the finishing touches on a perfect season by winning the 100 IM, 100 fly and 100 breast at the Mid Valley Swim League Championships on Saturday, July 25 in Turlock.
Padilla posted a 18-0 record this year.
"It certainly doesn't surprise me," head coach Tracy Bull said. "The last time I saw him swim, I thought he was as talented as anyone in the league. He's always had strong technique. He's a natural."
Tyler rejoined the Dolphins following a five-year break.
"We were fortunate enough to get him for the second half of the season," said Bull, who recruited Padilla with help from Ceres swimmer Kyle Martinez after losing a number of athletes to the Modesto-Stanislaus Sharks program. "He was lifting weights and getting ready for football."
Padilla, a soon-to-be sophomore at Central Catholic, last competed for the Dolphins in the 11-12-year-old division during the 2004 campaign. Martinez, Tyler's good friend, will be attending the same high school.
Padilla excelled despite a late start to the season.
He claimed high-point awards at the MVSL, Oakdale and Hughson competitions.
Tyler also finished undefeated at two tri meets and one dual.
"No one's really come close to beating Tyler," Bull said. "He's very consistent in his training. He's a hard worker. Technique wise, he's probably the best breast stroker I have ever seen."
Padilla provided leadership as well.
"He's everything you can ask for in a young man," Bull said. "The other kids look up to him."
Tyler will dedicate time to three sports at Central Catholic, including football, baseball and swimming.
"He's a phenomenal athlete," Bull said.
