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Coach's personal victories an inspiration to Jaguars

Mara Toole is a former state title winner for Plant and a cancer survivor. She's

By TERRY JONES

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 4, 2001

TAMPA -- In 1994, Mara Toole was on top of the world as a freshman at Florida State. She had a state championship to her credit, a scholarship in her possession and a promising career in her future.

As her season progressed, Toole worked her way into a starting position with the Seminoles and was enjoying college life.

Then she noticed a weakness in one of her shoulders and found a lump. After a medical examination, she was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a form of cancer.

Not only was her swimming career in jeopardy, but so was her life.

She finished the season and began her battle against the disease during Christmas of that year. "I missed the end of my freshman season and the beginning of my sophomore season, going through 12 months of chemotherapy," she said. "With all the damage in my shoulder, I was never able to make it back to my top level, but with divine help I survived the cancer, and now as a coach, I am still part of the sport I love."

Toole, a key member of Plant's 200 freestyle relay team that won the state championship in 1993, was hired as an elementary physical education teacher at Academy of the Holy Names in August 2000 and became the varsity swimming coach.

Under her guidance, the Jaguars qualified nine swimmers for the state championships last season and a dozen more are expected to do the same this year.

Prior to Toole's arrival, Jaguars swimmers didn't challenge at most meets. However, this year, the team has beaten perennial powers Plant and Durant, and for the first time won the city relays in September.

Tonight, the team travels to Berkeley Prep where it will take on its third state-level team in search of its first win against the Bucs.

Juniors Stephanie Tarr and Kristin Zwolak are the team's top swimmers. Tarr, who joined the Jaguars with plenty of experience after competing for the Brandon Blue Wave club team, qualified for the state meet last season in the 500-yard freestyle and 100 butterfly.

"The initial impression given by Coach Toole is she stayed," Tarr said. "Until she came with (assistant) Coach (Megan) Brennan, we had to adjust to a new coach each year. Then we discovered she was an excellent swimmer and understood. Her victory over cancer and success in college impressed many young swimmers to come out. She has made swimming exciting for us at Academy."

Zwolak competes for the Greater Tampa Swimming Association and is a sprinter in the freestyle and butterfly. She has been on the team since her eighth-grade year.

"(Toole) and (Brennan) have made a big difference in our team," Zwolak said. "In a quiet manner, (Toole) helps us find the small and big things we have to improve and encourages us to do so. We have a lot of new young swimmers coming out and helping, because they want to be part of the winning. The student body is recognizing us too, especially after beating Plant and Durant."

Elisa Pineda, a versatile seventh-grader, and Stephanie DeRito, a freshman freestyle and butterfly sprinter, are two of the younger swimmers who have made an impact this season.

Captains Lauren Ross, Laura Davis and Brooke Dudash are the only seniors on the team. Amanda Von Thron, Brittany Perez, Erica Scicchitano, Caroline Engleman and Heather Murray also have been strong contributors and are potential state qualifiers this season.

Some of the decision-makers at Academy must be impressed with Toole's achievements so far. The installation of a pool for the school has been approved, which should help Toole recruit in the years ahead.

"I love it here at Academy and the pool will be great when it is finished next year," she said. "However, the kids are the ones building the program. They are getting enthusiastic and are really enjoying swimming. Although I am happy, I too am surprised at the success they are having this season.

"I would have been happy for a good showing against Plant and Durant, but they won."

Meet Mara Toole

FAVORITE MOVIE: Seven

FAVORITE MOVIE STAR: Meg Ryan

FAVORITE JUNK FOOD: Anything from McDonald's

FAVORITE MEAL: Steak and potatoes

FAVORITE COLOR: Blue

FAVORITE WAY TO RELAX: Going to the beach

FAVORITE COLLEGE SUBJECT: Child psychology

FAVORITE SINGER: Dave Matthews

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