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2022-23 Legacy Prep Christian Academy Girls Swim
MAKING HISTORY: Gerwick, LPCA Swim wins another State Title
The Lions traveled to San Antonio last week with a target on their backs, given their title acquisition a year ago. However, they were clearly up to the challenge with several of the swimmers racking up the points to ultimately immortalize the school’s legacy (pardon the pun).
“We were very excited and pleased with our performances,” said coach Billy Gerwick. “The entire varsity team pushed hard at practice all year and the girls really bonded together, pushing each other to challenge. Legacy Prep is so proud of our swim team and the girls have now made a name for themselves. The exposure to another championship gets students excited and encourages our athletes to be a part of or consider joining next year’s swim team.”
LPCA's Emily TomlinsonBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Legacy Prep excelled in nearly all events in the pool this year particularly in team races. This was especially the case during the State Meet as the girls finished first in both the 200 & 400-Freestyle Relay, as well as the 200-Medley Relay. Individually, LPCA’s Emily Tomlinson and Janey Leiker placed highly in their respective races, with Tomlinson claiming silver in the 100-Breaststroke and 50-Freestyle, and Leiker also ending up with the No. 2 spot in the 100-Butterfly.
LPCA's Janey LeikerBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“We did have some wonderful individual performances, however, we focused on being a ‘team’ all season,” Gerwick said. “These girls swam for each other. They poured into their relays and peaked at State with all three relays breaking the school records.”
Throughout Gerwick’s tenure at Legacy Prep, he has propelled the Lions to another level of competition. Adding another impressive victory to his storied career is certainly worth celebrating, however, the coach gives all the credit to his athletes.
“I would just I’m very blessed with a very solid, humble and great group of kids on my team,” he said. “I strive to make sure they are enjoying the sport. I truly want them to have fun and not put too much pressure on themselves. We believe if you don’t love what you’re doing, you will never truly excel in the water. If my team is having fun and smiling, so am I.”
2022-23 LPCA Lions SwimBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Now that the Lions are back-to-back champs, the future of the LPCA swim program looks even brighter, as they’ll now be seen as a perennial power in the pool for years to come.
“We have a solid group of girls returning next year, so I anticipate we will still be very competitive,” said Gerwick. “We’ll be losing five seniors, which will make our team dynamics shift in regards to specialty strokes. It’ll change up our relays and we will certainly have to make some adjustments. Looking at our freshmen class, I’m expecting some of our younger swimmers to step up into some stronger roles next season.”
Congratulations to Legacy Prep swim, we’ll expect to see more of the same this time next year.
The 2022-23 LSA Swim Team after their victory in the Regional Finals
ALL BUSINESS: LSA Swim returns to TAPPS State Meet
The 2022 TAPPS-D2 Swim Champions: Lutheran South Academy
Despite LSA having fewer swimmers than most, coach Jamie Mueller emphasizes quality over quality in her confidence that both the boys' and girls’ teams can bring home some medals this week.
“Our high school team, it might be small, and we’re always looked at as the underdogs,” said Mueller. “But, our skill set and perseverance always show through at State. A State Title isn’t out of the question for us. We’re definitely going to be contending and for sure bringing home some medals, individually.”
Said individuals who are sure to stand out on the boys’ side include senior swimmers Kai Beckum and Elliott Miles, who already have two titles under their belts. They’ve been among the leaders on the young Pioneers' team.
“Sometimes it’s a little tricky to set an example for the younger athletes, the kids are kind of rowdy,” laughed Beckum. “So, our coaches need a little more help than usual and I’m glad to do that. But we all know when it comes to State, we won’t have time to mess around, so we’ll get business done.”
Miles shares the same sentiment.
“I’m hoping to inspire the freshman and younger crowd during my time here,” said Miles. “It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to reach the level of success we have with such a small team. But we thrive in that.”
The girls’ team, despite not having the recent success of the boys, has performed exceptionally well this season. Sophomore Lauren Ferguson, younger sister of LSA swim star Chase Ferguson, is aiming to lead the girls to their first State Title while carrying the Ferguson torch.
LSA's Lauren Ferguson and her older brother, ChasePhoto from Ferguson's Instagram: @lauren.ferguson06
“It’s so cool to be a part of a team that’s been built up so much,” Ferguson said. “Really having that strong backbone with my teammates behind me, that’s really what can make our success happen. The positivity that everyone creates at all the meets, it wouldn’t be what it is without them.”
Coach Mueller will look to her leaders to push the rest of Pioneer Swim during Tuesday’s State meet, with the goal of bringing home another TAPPS State Championship.
“Everyone on the team has a winning mentality, especially the older kids,” Mueller said. “With them, the attitude is always not screwing around at practice, taking it seriously, and cheering everybody else on. They know how to be a part of the team and when it’s a meet day, attention will be on high alert and it will be all business for us.”