Aces reveling in success
As the East High boys swim team has grown into a City League power, coach Joe Hutchinson notices one thing more than anything else — his team continues to have fun.
It’s a trait Hutchinson watches grow year after year. With that, the Blue Aces’ have transformed that kind of continuity not just into the best program in the league, but toward the top of the state. East has won three straight City League titles, and are the overwhelming pick to win it this year.
"We have a lot of swimmers doing very well," Hutchinson said. "The big difference for us is how well the kids get along.
We could see at the beginning it could be a very special team and it’s continued to be a special team."
As difficult it may be for a team to reach 100 points in a dual, the Blue Aces have had little trouble accomplishing the feat. Since returning from Christmas break, East has scored more than 130 points three times in duals. in three of them. Of course, it helps that the Aces have 26 swimmers, a bigger number than most schools.
The Blue Aces have also benefitted by having so many of their strongest swimmers back — including Jake Spitz, who is the defending state champion in the 100-yard butterfly . Junior Charlie King and sophomores Nate Pirner and Brandon Shinsato, who all placed at state last year have lent a big hand. King and Spitz are both part of the 200 and 400 freestyle relays that have broken the school record this year.
Having experienced team members also helps the younger team members, Hutchinson With all the success the team has had, the Blue Aces have the added enjoyment of competing in their home pool, a luxury they didn’t have last season while the pool was under construction. East has hosted all but one of its duals this year.
"(The team) likes swimming at home," Hutchinson said. "They get to have some of their friends and teachers come out and watch them and I think that’s big."