Boys swimming is again a varsity sport at Englewood High
School.
The Pirates had a boys swim team for years, but it was
discontinued for a few years for lack of participation; was brought
back and again, the sport was discontinued because of lack of
participation about 2001.
However, it is back and about a dozen candidates met with coach
Eric Craven for Feb. 17’s first day of practice for spring
sports.
Craven accepted the coaching position about 10 days ago and Feb.
17 was his first chance to meet with the swimmers.
He explained the practice schedule to them and noted, if they
can’t make afternoon practice, they can practice Monday, Wednesday
and Friday mornings from 6-7:30 a.m.
This is a different task for Craven. The talented coach recently
completed coaching the Cherry Creek High School girls swimming team
to its fifth-straight state championship.
He admitted coaching the Englewood boys will be a different
situation. For one thing, no hands were raised when the young
athletes were asked who has taken part in swimming competitions.
Additionally, about a dozen candidates were at Englewood’s first
practice. Craven said 10 times that many athletes reported for the
first practice session for the Bruins girls swimming team.
“It is a different task but I also think it is great they have a
boys swim team at Englewood High School again,” the coach said.
“This is one of the nicest facilities in the state and it should be
used by the high school athletes.”
Craven said he plans to have this season focus on teaching the
Pirates about competitive swimming.
He said he’ll put the boys in the water and see what they can
do. Then, he’ll begin teaching proper techniques for each of the
strokes, how to breathe properly when swimming in competition and
help them develop stamina.
He said the goal for the season is to have each of the athletes
develop into better swimmers who can take part in a practice
session where they swim between 3,000 and 3,500 yards.
“Everyone wants to win. That’s why we compete,” Craven said.
“However, I want the boys to know we are not likely to be a
competitive team in dual meets. So, we want to focus on individual
improvements, setting goals we can accomplish over this boys
swimming season.”
“This is one of the nicest facilities in the state”
Eric Craven, Pirates coach
