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Gators Swimmers Succeed As A Team

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By RICK HARMON Tribune correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 13, 2008

FORT PIERCE - When the Class 2A-Region 2 boys swimming team scores were announced, a parent from Harmony asked "Where is Land O' Lakes?"

After being given a geography lesson, they said, "You guys set the tone for what high school athletics should be. We're as proud of you as we would be of our own children."

It was quite a testimony to what Land O' Lakes swim coaches Barbara Hayes and Robin Hilgenberg have done with the Gators' program.

Five Land O' Lakes swimmers and a diver will compete Saturday in the Class 2A state meet in Orlando after edging Harmony to win the school's first region meet last week at Indian River State College.

"The strength of our team is the team ... it's a total team effort," Hayes said after the region meet. "We did change our strategy and our preparation a little bit. Our focus has been on region. The win puts Land O' Lakes swimming on the map."

Seniors Eric Singer, Derrick Mysels, Sean Lawson, Curt Hilgenberg and Kody Kuhl, along with freshman Alex Pierovich, advanced to Saturday's meet. Singer, Hilgenberg, Kuhl and Pierovich advanced in individual events, while Singer, Mysels, Lawson and Hilgenberg will swim on two relays.

"We're one of those teams that get along - a unity-type group of people," Coach Hilgenberg said. "We make our swimmers swim with us all season instead of swimming with a club team. It just shows how exciting it is as a team."

The best shot at an individual title comes from former Land O' Lakes swimmer Brad Morrison, now swimming for Sunlake. His 52.65 in the 100 backstroke at the region meet earned him All-America consideration and a No. 2 seed at state. He also is entered in the 200 freestyle.

In the Class 1A meet Friday, Bishop McLaughlin's Caitlen Smaga, Pasco divers Matthew Cicanese and Matt Ryan, and Wiregrass Ranch's Kaylin Sylvester and Becca Pindral will compete.

Correspondent Rick Harmon can be reached at tampabaystringer@gmail.com.

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