By: Jeffery LauxnStaff Editor
Swim season is upon those who reside in Central Florida, and one team that can make a big impact this year will be the Apopka Blue Dolphins (Darters). New faces upon the coaching staff include the man, the myth, the legend Mr. Houvouras, one of the most well-known teachers and the supreme flag football coach at Apopka. He will coach alongside longtime legend Mr. Russell, who has coached the program of swimming and water polo since the invention of sliced bread. This year they are taking a strong stride at becoming state champions as they have returning swimmers the likes of Caleb Mahanna, Carlos Ahrens, Nate Bucozzo, Julianna Christianson, and Emma Treadwell, as well as many more star power players. Mr. Russell loves the amount of potential that his team has this year and believes they can make it as far as they can take themselves. Caleb hopes that the charisma this team carries can move them to the top of the district.
They start the year out playing their first three games against Oak Ridge, Evans, and powerhouse West Orange, who is known statewide for their exceptional swimming program. Apopka fell short last year in the district playoffs against top-tier opponents by the likes of West Orange, Olympia, and Dr. Phillips. Emma Treadwell, who has made states three times in her high school career, hopes to make it four straight and also make an impression on colleges to be able to take her talents to another swimming pool against D-1 athletes.
I had the opportunity to do a sit-down interview with experienced senior swimmer Carlos Ahrens:
One word to describe your season in swimming so far?
One word to describe my swim season so far is motivation.
As a senior, what mark do you hope to leave on the program?
I hope to leave a higher standard of work ethic for new swimmers to come. I want everyone to look back and see how working hard can take you far.
What do you hope to accomplish this year?
I want everyone on the team to see improvement in themselves and in others. When you can see the work paying off for other people, it inspires you to do better yourself. I specifically remember being so happy for my friends when they beat their best times and accomplished their goals for the season.
Freestyle, Back Stroke, Butterfly or Flys? Which one gives you the most adrenaline? And which one do you prefer?
I definitely feel the adrenaline rush of doing Butterfly the most. Arguably the hardest stroke, when you are successful it makes you feel all the better. I would probably prefer freestyle though because it allows you to lock in your inner strength in extremely close races. It makes for an interesting meet when you are going back and forth between different races.
How have coaches fared in your view throughout this early season?
All of the coaches for swim have created an awesome environment that makes hard physical work fun.
I also had a grand opportunity to chat with new assistant coach Mr. Houvouras.
How does it feel to coach alongside the icon himself, Mr. Russell?
It brings me absolute joy.
What is your philosophy on coaching?
Swimming boils down to listening to the experts.
What is the ultimate goal that your team wants to reach this season?
For some swimmers, it’s about improving and some about appearing at states again.
Is Jackson Houvouras (Son) enjoying his first year more than you?
I think he enjoys it a lot less because he’s swimming 1000 yards, while I just sit in a chair and glare.