Garrett Campbell is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism Student assigned to cover Phoenix Country Day School for AZPreps365.com

 

PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — The Phoenix Country Day School looked strong Tuesday afternoon, as players, parents and coaches showed appreciation to the senior class during the final invitational meet of the 2023 season.

“They’re a strong body of swimmers,” said Mike Maczuga, Phoenix Country Day's head swim coach. "Especially on the boys side. We have swimmers that, in freshman year, weren't helping the team points wise. Now, they’re players at state, and will be big pieces of the puzzle for us when we get to state.” 

That's down the road.

On Tuesday, the Eagles rode their momentum into the meet they picked up another win, defeating Scottsdale Prep Academy, Benjamin Franklin High and Morenci High.

The victory is coming off last weekend's Eagle Invite.

Tuesday, both the boy's and girl's teams looked strong throughout. 

Phoenix Country Day School boy's team won with 55 points. Scottsdale Prep had 24 with Benjamin Franklin 15 and Morenci with 3.

The Phoenix Country Day School girl's team scored 58 points for the win. Scottsdale Prep had 32 and Benjamin Franklin High had 12 points.

Sophomore Nancy Burns earned first place in the Girls 500-yard free with 5:35.12. Senior Bennett Russo earned first place in the Boys 500 Yard Free with 5:09.82. 

It all helped send the seniors off on a good note in the team's final invitational. 

The girl's side was led by seniors Rosalyn Katz and Sierra Goldstein. Dive coach Kristin Pruett has profound respect for what they meant to their teammates. 

“(Roz) keeps the kids together, she communicates everything,” Pruett said. “Like if I need to pull somebody out and say, ‘Roz, can you work with them on their backjump?’ She’s always willing to do any of that stuff. She’ll really be missed because the best quality I can say about her, among many qualities, is her leadership ability.”

Pruett added, "What I love about Sierra is that she’s everybody’s biggest cheerleader. It doesn’t matter if it was the girl from Scottsdale Prep today, or her own teammates. She’s always cheering everybody on. When you have that kind of a spirit and attitude, it almost makes you a better diver because of the attitude and the gratefulness that she carries with her.”

Tuesday proved to be the perfect victory for the seniors final home meet. The seniors shined and the Eagles won.

“The seniors have had an amazing career and will be missed,” Phoenix Country Day School Athletic Director Shane Lewis said. “They have totaled a lot of points in the last four years to make the PCDS Swim & Dive Teams successful. Looking forward to the stretch run as they compete for the state title. We wish them the best of luck as they start the next chapter of their journey.” 

The team won't compete for nearly three weeks, as they start preparing for the Small Schools Championships on Oct. 21.