The Mater Lakes Academy swim team competed for the third time in the FHSAA Swimming and Diving State Championships on November 3 at the Sailfish Splashpark Aquatic Athletics Center in Stuart.
Five swimmers qualified at the Regional Meets the weekend prior in order to compete in the state championships: Gabriela Fernandez, junior, Michael Fernandez, junior, Brandon Moran, junior, Juan Pineda, sophomore, and Augustin Rodriguez, seventh grader.
Out of the five talented swimmers, three earned medals in their respective categories. Moran finished in fifth place and Pineda finished in eighth place in the 100 breast stroke. Fernandez finished in fifth in the 200 individual medley also earning himself a medal. Mater Lakes swim team, as a whole, finished in 19th place out of 300 schools.
“It was a fantastic season and exciting to be a part of,” said athletic director Roy Franco.
Mater Lakes swim team is in its third year competing and under the direction of their coach, Pedro Mesa. The swim team started with 12 swimmers in 2015-2016 school year and has now grown to a team of over 50 individuals, and one that competes in the state championship since their first season.
“Three medals in one year, wow and five students qualifying alone is a great accomplishment. Congratulations to the coaches and the team. I know next year we will have even more qualifiers and medals,” said principal Rene Rovirosa.