ARCADIA SPORTS PAGE TOO ARCADIA SPORTS PAGE TOO Page 64 October 2012 McMurry Continued from page 62 By Nathan Humpherys No one does dynasties quite like the Mings, the Yankees or the Arcadia High School swim and dive team. During coach Erica McClurg’s 17-year tenure at Arcadia, the swim and dive team has routinely landed in the top three for state, capturing a total of seven girls’ state titles and two boys’ titles. Over the past six years, the girls placed fi rst fi ve times with one second-place fi nish. The boys’ team has one title and four second-place fi nishes over the same period. The team is 3-for-3 in meets so far this year at press time, though their real test will be when they compete with Divisions I and II in the Agua Fria High School Relay Invitational at the Goodyear YMCA at the end of September. McClurg said it helps that swimming is such a popular past time and that there are quite a few club teams in the area. For her part, McClurg takes the friendships teammates develop with each other and the fun they have as seriously as teaching them to be dedicated competitors. “I’ve always tried to run a very positive program and be very upbeat,” she said. It also helps that McClurg, who competes in triathlons, earns her swimmers’ respect by setting a positive example and staying active. “They know that if I ask them to do something in the pool, I can probably do it,” she said. Swim and dive may have more banners in the gym than anyone else, but that doesn’t mean they get as much attention as the marquee sports. The fuss made over Arcadia’s dramatic football, volleyball and basketball playoff runs last year was probably mystifying for some swimmers and divers, who are used to competing for a state title every year. This discrepancy could be explained by the relative popularity of the sports. Or maybe it’s because people just assume swim and dive will always make a splash. fi nd the best path through the course. “I like to refer to it as 9th-grade math,” O’Connell said, “because driving is really geometry. . . . What I do is I just try to fi nd that line that allows me to be as fast as I can.” So McMurry, who just started 9th grade, has the opportunity to, in the same day, take what he learns in math class and then apply it at speeds which threaten to fl ing your stomach through the side of your ribcage. Though the races have gotten bigger and faster over the years, one thing hasn’t changed since McMurry’s early go-cart days: he still gets to spend a lot of time with his dad. The two fl y to races together about once a month, and his dad reviews the video of his practice laps with him and helps prepare him for races. “He’s just so happy he can do it,” his mother said. “As far as Chris is concerned, there’s nothing better.” McMurry and his dad could end up spending even more time together. Since the 24-hour Le Mans includes two classes of prototypes plus a grand am class in the same race, father and son could end up racing side-by-side in 2014. “Chris would love to drive with him,” Bobbi said. “It’d be a dream come true.” For the both of them. Swim and dive team after more state championships Arcadia swimmers are always in the hunt for the state title. Photo by Craig Richardson. arcadiadaily.com arcadiadaily.com AKF Black Belt Academy 4041 E Thomas Rd • Ste 108 • akfblackbeltacademy.com • akfblackbeltacademy.com 4041 E T 4041 E T FOCUS FOCUS Self Development • Creativity • Respect Self Development • Creativity • Respect Emergency Preparedness • Con Ƃ dence Emergency Preparedness • Con Ƃ dence Responsibility • Balance • Integrity Responsibility • Balance • Integrity Self Discipline • Values • Loyalty Self Discipline • Values • Loyalty Leadership • Knowledge • Leadership • Knowledge • FOCUS FOCUS First Aid • Motivation • Fitness First Aid • Motivation • Fitness Self Esteem • Courage • Goals Self Esteem • Courage • Goals Persistence • Attitude... and more! Persistence • Attitude... and more! The six tenets of Kyuki-do (Courtesy, Humility, The six tenets of Kyuki-do (Courtesy, Humility, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Indomitable Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit) are the foundation on which we build. Our Spirit) are the foundation on which we build. Our program gives children (and adults!) the tools program gives children (and adults!) the tools necessary to live a healthy and happy life necessary to live a healthy and happy life through the following pursuits: through the following pursuits: call now for a call now for a 30 DAY FREE TRIAL 30 DAY FREE TRIAL 602-955-1030 602-955-1030 HUBBARDSWIM.COM 602.971.4044 JOIN US for year-round indoor swim lessons FREE BABY SPLASH 8 wks - 5 mos LITTLE SNAPPERS 6 mos - 35 mos GROUP LESSONS 6 mos - 12 yrs REGISTER TODAY! learn-to-swim, strokes & squads PHOENIX, MESA & PEORIA