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With a victory today over Mitchell, the Land O'Lakes swim team will earn its eighth victory this season - a school record.
By STEVE LEE
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 11, 2000
LAND O'LAKES -- Saddled with the loss of a longtime coach, which came a year after the best swimmer in school history graduated, the Land O'Lakes swim team has dealt with that adversity with its best start ever.
Monday's 228-128 win over Pasco improved the Gators to 7-0 and matched their record for most wins in a season. Land O'Lakes went 7-4 in 1997 when Anne Karpay, a four-time state qualifier, was a junior.
An unprecedented eighth victory could occur tonight when Land O'Lakes hosts first-year Mitchell.
With Gulf going through a down season, Land O'Lakes has become a force, challenging the likes of River Ridge and Hudson, Pasco County's top two teams last season.
"(Land O'Lakes) beat the garbage out of us (244-111)," said Zephyrhills assistant Karen Cooley, a Stewart Middle School administrator who coached Land O'Lakes from 1994-99 before transferring to Zephyrhills this season.
"We had fun that night, because it was with Karen," Land O'Lakes assistant Barbara Hayes said. "The girls were psyched that night."
Before her departure, Cooley recommended Glenna Chamberlain, a United States Swimming instructor, as her replacement. Hayes is also U.S.S.-certified.
"I knew Glenna would do well with (the Gators) and move them to the next level," Cooley said.
The secret to improving on Land O'Lakes' four wins from last year, Chamberlain said, is depth and the swimmers' strong work ethic.
Heather Gerken, who swims the 100-yard backstroke and 200 individual medley, offers another reason.
"We don't always swim whatever we want," said Gerken, a junior. "(Coach Chamberlain) puts us in wherever we can win."
"(Last year) we were as good as a team as we are now," offered Lizzi Van Broekhoven. "Mrs. Chamberlain makes it so we get more points and not just firsts."
Tara Patterson (100 breaststroke) and Chris Koslin (100 back), both state qualifiers last year, are among the Land O'Lakes swimmers who take firsts in virtually every meet. Both also have won in the 500 freestyle.
Patterson, a junior, is aiming to improve on last year's state appearance (a season-worst time of 1:20-plus in the 100 breast).
"I didn't feel ready for it," said Patterson, admitting to a case of the jitters. "It was a surprise I even made it."
Koslin, a senior, placed 33rd in the 100 backstroke at last year's state meet. Though he admitted to being nervous as well, Koslin is proud to be the first male swimmer from Land O'Lakes to reach states.
"I was happy. I bragged a lot," he said.
Among the Gators' other top finishers in their respective events this season have been: Heather Anderson (500 free), Brianna Sprunt (200 free and 500 free), Sarah Tynes (100 butterfly and 200 IM), Craig Hilgenberg (100 free and 200 IM), Chris Pabst (100 breast and 200 free), Scott Habershaw (200 free and 500 free) and Gerken.