Holy Cross swim team aims for state crown

Holy Cross Coach Dale Turner remembers his first practice more than two years ago with senior swimmers Brad Montet, Garrett Daguimol and Nick Olsen.

The three didn't exactly smash any records.

"They were swimming the 50 free in 35 seconds," Turner said. "But they've stuck with it and put in the time it took."

Montet, Daguimol and Olsen are now part of a group of 20 Holy Cross swimmers that has qualified for the state championship meet in November. The Tigers have four swimmers who have qualified in each event. The team is looking forward to the chance at a Division III state championship after months of practicing seven days a week.

"Our goals are nothing short of a state championship," said Turner, who's in his fourth year at Holy Cross. "I think we'll have a strong showing. I think they've surpassed everybody's expectations, including mine."

Holy Cross finished fourth in Division II last season and third two years ago. In moving down in classification, the Tigers will face teams they're unfamiliar with. Lutcher and St. Charles Catholic finished first and third, respectively, in Division III last season, but are no longer in the division. Parkview Baptist and E.D. White, which finished second and fourth, remain in Division III.

Holy Cross hasn't finished worse than second in any meet this season. The Tigers finished second behind St. Charles Catholic in the metro south divisional meet last week. Newman finished third.

In a cluster meet on Oct. 10, the Tigers topped the standings, defeating second-place Lusher and third-place E.D. White. Montet and Daguimol placed first and second in the 50 free. Both finished in less than 24 seconds.

"They have a desire," Turner said of his team's attitude. "They want (a championship) more than anything -- to do something that's never been done in Holy Cross history."...