BOYS SWIMMING ALL-AREA
Swimmer of the year
Michael Wang, Rowland, Senior
Wang finished his senior year in style, setting a CIF-Southern Section Division 4 record in the 100 freestyle with a lighting time of 45.58 in the finals race. He nearly doubled, finishing second in the 200 freestyle in 1:40.77.
In the inaugural CIF-State championships in Clovis, Wang finished fifth in the 100 free, and has been named the San Gabriel Valley Tribune boys swimmer of the year
“Michael is an incredibly hard working athlete who has inspired his teammates and coaches,” Rowland coach Mike Cody said. “He is extremely coachable and focused on achieving his goals. Michael set some ambitious goals this season and achieved most of them.”
In 2014, Wang set the Division 4 meet record in the 50 free (20.95), so he will graduate with two records in the speed events.
Wang leaves with six Valle Vista league records on his resume.
In the league finals, Wang set league records in the 200 individual medley (1:53.1) and the 100 backstroke (51.96). He led off both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays and got records in each (21.10 in the 50 and 45.73 in the 100).
Wang earned a full swimming scholarship to the University of Santa Barbara.
“Michael has the necessary skills and determination to excel at the next level both academically and athletically,” Cody said. “Michael will do very well competing for UC Santa Barbara and will have an immediate impact on their program.”
Coach of the year
Mike Cody, Rowland
The Rowland High School boys swimming team won the Valle Vista League title and finished fourth at the CIF-Southern Section Division 4 final to help Cody earn Tribune boys coach of the year honors, but the work needed to earn this accomplishment was a long process.
In his 10th year at Rowland, it was Cody’s first league title. The Raiders’ last league championship came when Cody was an assistant in 2003 helping the girls win the San Antonio League title.
“Earning coach of the year is a culminating accolade that I feel not only recognizes this years successful season, but also recognizes the incredible amount of hard work and hours our student-athletes have put into their training the last few years to achieve that success,” Cody said.
What helped turn things around was Rowland finally getting its own aquatics center.
“For me personally, this was a memorable and fun-filled season for our program with so many exciting accomplishments,” Cody said. “In addition, we were able to enjoy training and competing in our brand new aquatic center after spending several years without a pool. This was a bittersweet year for our program.”
First Team
Preston Li, Diamond Bar, So, diver
David Wang, Freshman, Diamond Bar
Richie Campbell, Damien, Junior
Jerry Chen, Walnut, Junior
Kyle Chang, West Covina, Senior
Derek Wan, Walnut, Junior
Brandon Howell, San Dimas, Senior
Jacob Sustayta, Covina, Sophomore
James Hull, San Dimas, Junior
Andrew Phan, Rowland, Senior
Brandon Luu, Rowland, Senior
Final Top Ten
1. Glendora
2. Walnut
3. Rowland
4. San Dimas
5. Diamond Bar
6. Los Altos
7. Covina
8. Bishop Amat
9. Bonita
10. La Puente
League champions
Valle Vista: Rowland
Palomares: Glendora
Hacienda: Walnut
Miramonte: La Puente