Panthers’ goal: Maintain juggernaut
Palo Verde swimming coach Brent Gonzalez is well aware that no one wants to see him win another state title.
The Panthers have won 10 state championships between their boys and girls teams since 2008 and are contenders again this year.
“I know they don’t want to see me win again,” Gonzalez said. “But I also know none of these kids want to be the team that loses it.”
Palo Verde’s boys have won four straight titles entering the Class 4A state meet Saturday in Carson City, and the girls have won two in a row.
The Panthers are coming off dominant performances in the Sunset Region meet, at which both teams coasted to titles over Bishop Gorman.
Palo Verde was consistent all season in dual meets and showed what it can do in the regional, but all of that was just a precursor to the state meet.
“It’s been all about state since the beginning of the year,” Gonzalez said. “That’s all we’re focused on now is trying to have a good state meet.”
The Panthers’ training all season was about getting their minds and bodies right for state.
“When they come into a meet like (the regional), they definitely are coming in looking to do what they need to to qualify,” Gonzalez said. “Now that we’re here, there is nothing left for them to hold back.”
Junior Allie Emery was named the 4A girls swimmer of the year at the regional meet. She finished first in the 50-yard freestyle (24.02 seconds) and the 100 freestyle (52.08).
“She won the 100 freestyle at state last year and wants to repeat this year and wants to try and win the 50,” Gonzalez said. “She has her teammate to worry about there, though, with Emelia (Piccininni). But she’s been very positive and focused on doing well at state all year.”
On the boys side, junior Dylan Sweikert will be the Panthers’ swimmer to watch. He is part of their relay teams that qualified for state. He won the 50 freestyle (22.03) and the 100 freestyle (48.19) at regionals.
Contact reporter Bill Slane at bslane@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4559. Follow @bill_slane on Twitter.