TJ Swims Past Kennedy

TJ Girls' Swimming takes an easy victory over the Commanders.

by Marc Houghton

    The Lady Spartan swimmers finished their last meet before winter break with a dominating performance over the Commanders of Kennedy on Tuesday.  With this win, TJ moves to 2-1 in dual meets on the season after beating Montbello in their first meet and falling to George Washington in their second.    

     The girls started out the meet with an easy win in the 200 medley relay.  The winning team consisted of Sophmore Andrea Shacklock, and Seniors Catherine Piccone, Ryanne Mollo, and Alex Hurlbut.  The relay still has not met their goal of qualifying for the state meet, but with most of the season ahead of them they are hopeful that they can drop a couple of seconds to make the time. 

    One of the top performers of the meet was Catherine Piccone, who won the 500 freestyle as well as being a member of both of the winning relay teams.  Andrea Shacklock also had a good meet, winning the 100 freestyle, and coming very close to a state qualifying time in the 50 freestyle.

     With four meets under their belt, the girls are getting into the groove of the season, and their times are getting closer to where they need to be to compete with teams from all over the city.  With three more dual meets against Denver West, Denver East, and Denver South, the girls have a good chance to show that they are among the best in the Denver Prep League.  They will be training hard over winter break, and will come into the new year ready to get some early wins. 

Swimmers Take Your Marks

The TJ girls’ swim team sets sights on State.

by Marc Houghton

    After a couple of successful years under Coaches Ono Piccone and Cindy Allen, the Lady Spartans' swim team hopes to improve once again in the upcoming season.  Led by a solid group of seniors and some talented underclassmen, the team has a chance to do some damage in the Denver Prep League. 

    A third place finish at the city meet last season behind DPS powerhouses George Washington and East proved that TJ was capable of competing against the best teams in the league.  This year the Spartans will be led by seniors Catherine Piccone, Ryan Mollo, Junior Hall Hupperts, and Sophomore Andrea Shacklock.  “We hope to send a couple of relay teams to state like we did last season, and these girls are going to be the key athletes in making the times,” said Coach Piccone. “We would like to send some girls to state in individual events also, and our large team is going to help us score points in our big meets.”   Fielding a group of about 25 swimmers and six divers, the team has grown in the past few seasons. Read more