Catalina Foothills likes chances of D-II boys swim repeat

November 5, 2014 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


The good news for Catalina Foothills boys swim team last year came in winning the Division II title with a predominantly underclassman lineup. That could be bad news for the rest of the field this year since just about everyone who contributed last year returns.

Catalina Foothills had a streak of 11 consecutive team titles (2000-2010) broken in 2011 when the Falcons were placed in Division I for a two-year scheduling block. They placed a respectable sixth in D-I in 2011 and 2012. The return to Division II last year saw them back on top as they await the chance to begin a new streak title streak this weekend. Among the contenders with Catalina Foothills are Notre Dame Prep and Northland Prep.

A Catalina Foothills repeat on Nov. 8 at the Skyline Aquatics Center in Mesa is likely to be led by another top-notch performance from one of this year's only seniors -- Matt Lujan.

Lujan scored the most points in last year's championship winning the 200 individual medley, placing second in the 100 back and helping the 200 medley relay and 400 free relay teams to second-place finishes. The University of Arizona-bound Lujan takes the leadership role occupied last year by then-senior Matt House, who was just behind Lujan in points tallied last year for the Falcons.

"Matt's not only an outstanding swimmer, but an outstanding student,"  Walter said. "I don't know his grade point average exatcly, but it's probably over 4.0 weighted."

Nearly two hands worth of swimmers and divers scored for Catalina Foohills in its ride to 280 points for first place, far outdistancing runner-up Queen Creek at 203. Four of them were freshman -- Brooks Fail, Andy Duffield, Sean Seyller and Jack Hadley. Two were sophomores -- Brendan Finn and Matt King.

"The freshman group that arrived last year are all good friends and very supportive of one another," Walter said. "It's a tight team overall."'

Fail is one who could make a big impact in his second varsity season. He currently has the top quaifyling time in the 500 free and is high on the list in the 200 free. He'll swim anchor legs of the 200 free and 500 free relays.

"Brooks was our freshman of the year last year," Walter said. "A lot can happen from your freshman year on up, but there is no doubt where Brooks is headed. He brings it all the time. He's one that leads with his swimming, but he doesn't sit quietly. He gets on his teammates."

Catalina Foothills did well in House's events last year and also had two divers place in the top 16. Walter believes the team's depth and experience will go a long way to filling those gaps.

"As far as predictions of who will win the meet, I'm not one to make those," Walter said. "I do think we are as strong as we were last year. If there is a weakness it's in the sprint freestyles, but we're pretty loaded elsewhere."