Left to right: Jonathan C Zoucha, Josh Noll, Cole Hurwitz, Calder Dorn (in the back), Kasey Kwong, Braden Esping, Jordan Hurwitz, Cameron Stitt

Sunset News
State Swim Champs!
by Nicole Nagel, Sunset senior

Another banner will soon be hanging in the Sunset gym, thanks to the men's swim team. Their outstanding athleticism recently earned them a second consecutive State Championship title. The team consists of five juniors and three sophomores, so the same powerful lineup will fully return next year. Of these eight boys, Calder Dorn and Braden Esping are both seasonal swimmers, compared to the other six are members of year-round clubs. Although these two may not have had as much practice, they became a major asset for the 200-meter Free Relay during the State competition. Calder Dorn commented, "It was my first year [at State]…it was a huge surprise because it's very difficult to make, but I worked very hard throughout the season. It was overwhelming to have made it so far."

Every swimmer has their specialty. Calder explains that his coach, Adam Farber, believes that he is best at the 100 Free, but he says, "I don't really have favorites. I just love to swim everything." To the same question, returning State participant Jordan Hurwitz answered, "My favorite event to do is the 200 Breaststroke, because the length of 200 meters gives me time to strategize how to beat the opponent and to train for endurance."

Although swimming is an individual sport, Sunset's members have made their team into a true community. Jordan explains their team's dynamic: "We support each other, no matter what. The points from individual races come together to create the entire school score. We cheer each other on, hoping to help our friends do their best." Calder adds: "We have pasta feeds, where we eat dinner, talk, and bond with our teammates."

When asked if there was a special highlight of their season, Calder enthusiastically responded, "Everything! I look forward to everything and everyone. Our team is amazing and this experience has been amazing." Jordan reflects on their improvements from last year with his standout moment: "It was very nice to win the 400 Free Relay at State this year! We got sixth last year, so it was a huge improvement, and I'm very proud."

Kasey Kwong competing in the Butterfly Stroke.

With so much talent also come great aspirations. In regards to next season, Calder remarked, "I hope to make the times to be able to go into more events, such as the 50/100 Free." Jordan has his mind set on a different competition: "Olympic trials are this year, so I really hope that I train hard enough to make the times for that competition." Both, of course, would like to secure a third State title. For achieving these goals, they are not alone. Their success has reeled in many fans, and we all hope to see yet another banner hanging for them at the end of next year.

Film Festival

On a different note, our young artistic visionaries will be displaying their projects at a special film festival organized by Sunset students. The Heliopolis Film Festival will be held on Friday, March 23rd at 7 pm, and is anticipated to last about 2 hours. There are 11 films from IB Film students that will be showcased, with each director planning to say a few words. There is a suggested $5 donation, and food and drinks will be sold. All proceeds will go to Falling Whistles, a campaign for peace in Congo.

Oliver

Additionally, I would like to give a quick reminder that Sunset's Spring Musical, "Oliver," has begun. The entire cast has been working for months to deliver this outstanding performance, and it should not go unseen! The final show dates are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 8th, 9th, and 10th. The production begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Sunset auditorium. Tickets are sold at the door: $10 for adults, $7 for students, and $6 for seniors.

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