Barracudas hold their own against Dolphins

True to their name, the Maricopa Barracudas Swim Team fought “tooth” and nail against the Coolidge Dolphins for a victory at their last home swim meet Saturday, July 8. Competition was tough as the Barracudas gave the Dolphins a swim for their money. Their final score was 625 against Coolidge’s 696, setting a new record for the Barracudas against the Dolphins.

Lisa Akers, who has two children on the team, said, “Coolidge usually kills us, but they only beat us by about 70 points this time.” The number of Barracudas nearly tripled this season, making it possible for swimmers to place in more events and to win with higher scores.

A Barracuda in action.


AJ Alcott ,10, shows off his winning form.

Samantha Arrellano, 9, dives in to complete her leg of the medley as Sydnee Akers,10, finishes strong.

Making Maricopa proud in the last leg of the medley were Preston Bonefield, 16, and William “Buster” Dunn, 15. The two doubled up to swim twice the distance as the Dolphins raced with four swimmers. Though they were behind by a few seconds, fans cheered them on to an outstanding race time of 2.30.06.

First place Barracudas included Bailey Cordoba (free relay, back, breaststroke, butterfly), Morgan Swinehart (free), Isabelle Dittmar (medley), Alexis Ramirez (free), AJ Alcott (free), Ryan Cook (back), Matt Hauth (free), Samantha Arrellano (back, butterfly, breaststroke, free), Kyle O’Hare (breaststroke, free), Preston Bonefield (back, breaststroke, butterfly), Cassandra Scott (back, butterfly), Steven Wilson (free), Taylor Jackson (free relay), Sydnee Akers (free, medley), Julian Sanchez (medley relay), Andrew Foote (medley, free), Noah Baker (medley), Gabe Schroeder (back) and Karissa Browning (breaststroke).

A recent highlight for the entire team was getting new lane lines through a generous gift from Councilman Steve Baker. “The previous lines were made of rope so the kids got splinters every time they touched them,” Akers said. “These new plastic lines make it so much better.”

Alissa Romero, 11, finishes her race.

Swimmers cheer for their teammates.

Andre Morales, 8, looks over the swim order sheet for his upcoming relay.

Brady Akers, 7, cheers for his buddies.

Sisters Paige and Lindsey Marley shiver in line while waiting for a chance to practice their swimming strokes.

The team will head to League Championships in San Manuel next Saturday, July 15, then on to Globe the 22nd before heading to State on July 29.

The Barracudas wish to thank Coach Ed Goldstein for another great year, parents and volunteers for their time and support and the Maricopa Rotary Club for donating the use of the pool this season.

Commitment by the following sponsors made it possible for the “tigers of the sea” to compete so well this year:

inmaricopa.com
Akers Physical Therapy
Bashas’
Amanda Baker / Schwartz Realty
Steve Baker / AMS Real Estate
Community of Hope Church
DeScale IT
Farabee’s Meats
Fry’s Marketplace
Jewel’s Cleaning
Maricopa Mountain Plumbing
Maricopa Parks and Recreation
Maricopa Rotary Club
Maricopa Tee’s
Napa Auto Parts
Courtny Tyler / State Farm agent
Rayne Water
Water and Ice