By EMMA CEPLINSKAS
Swimming is a demanding sport, both physically and mentally, but Malden High School’s team has proven that their commitment and devotion can overcome any obstacles as they stand at a current record of 7-0.
This season, the swim team has “acquired more talented swimmers,” mentioned junior captain Kelvin Nguyen. “The new additions to the team really helped [them] become stronger,” expressed senior captain Jen Tran. At each meet they have improved and strengthened their close knit bond since “each swimmer is hard working, dedicated and motivated,” stated Tran.
Senior captain Bestine Cong along with Nguyen and Tran all share a great passion for the sport. They concur that the highlight of the season was the intense meet against Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. Tran confessed that “[they were] struggling in the beginning of the meet, but after a team meeting … [they]all came together and cheered [their] team members on.” CRLS has always been a difficult opponent, but the school will be leaving the Greater Boston League so it was MHS’ swim team’s “last chance to show everyone that Malden has the people, talent and pride that it takes to be victorious,” Tran acknowledged. After exalting their last ounces of energy, Malden reigned the victors with a final score of 90-80 against their biggest rivals.
For the remainder of the season the team aims to “dominate at the League Meet and make [their] mark at Sectionals and States” come February explained Cong. Among those who qualified for sectionals was freshman Cleverina Cong and those who qualified for sectionals and states include Cong, sophomore Samantha Forestier, freshman Soukaina Hattal, freshman Felicia Lombardi, sophomore Alexandra Lombardi, freshman Kevin Luu, sophomore Ryan Luu, freshman Vivian Nguyen, Nguyen, sophomore Blue and Gold member Lucia Quesada Nylen, junior Nick Tang, and junior Tristar To .
The captains aspire to motivate their fellow teammates so that they “push themselves ... because you really only get out of it what you put in,” Cong expressed. The team has “maintained a strong sense of camaraderie” and described themselves as a “family” as agreed upon by the captains. They put others before themselves so that “the bond between MHS swimmers is something that cannot be broken,” revealed Tran.
Nguyen explained that, “the pain at practice is only temporary; the pride in using that hard work and winning lasts forever.” The team has accomplished their goal of becoming the GBL Champions and is saddened by the nearing end to the season. But the end of the season does not mean an end to the team’s bond.
