Capistrano Valley’s boys swim team entered the season with some of the highest standards in the Southern Section
The Cougars were not only defending champions in ultra-competitive Division 1, but also of the Millikan Southern Section relays and the South Coast League.
They also were Orange County record-holders in the two freestyle relays.
Capistrano Valley seemed like it might have a difficult time topping its past success.
The Cougars instead proved that their fleet is simply too swift to be contained by challenging boundaries.
Capistrano Valley moved into an elite group by claiming its fourth Division 1 title in five seasons, a feat that matches the last wave of Division 1 championships won by Mission Viejo from 2003-07.
For leading the historic voyage, Capistrano Valley’s Steve Yancey is the Register’s boys coach of the year for 2013.
2013 All-County boys swimming, diving team
University’s Okubo is 2013 boys swimmer of the year
“In my letter to the team for the banquet, I said I was blessed,” he said. “Most coaches get to see a year (with a high CIF finish). For me, I got to see five years of being by far one of the best teams and setting a standard that only could be matched by the Mission Viejo teams.”
Capistrano Valley’s haul also included a fifth consecutive Millikan title and sixth straight South Coast crown.
The Cougars also broke their own county records in the 200 (1:23.10) and 400 (3:02.02) freestyle relays at the Division 1 finals.
“The main thing that makes Yancey such a successful coach is his focus on the end of the season,” senior Spencer DeShon said. “We can train through the season without too much pressure and have a good time as a team at meets.
“(But) when taper rolls around, team morale is very high and we’re all ready to have fun and swim fast.”
Other factors are at work, too. The Cougars are blending strong club swimmers such as DeShon, Jack DesCombes, Matthew Chalcarz and Nick Norman with athletes such as Jon Beck, a college-bound water polo player.
Capistrano Valley also has added divers such as Tarek Abdelghany and Derek Hoare to its arsenal.
The Cougars also appear to lead the county in enthusiasm. This spring, they posted a Harlem Shake video to YouTube and introduced a “Capo on the warpath!” cheer at meets.
“This is the best time of their lives,” Yancey said. “I want them to remember what they have been a part of.”
