Orinda Swim Club 2nd at Clovis

Daniela Moroz, Staff Writer

Orinda Aquatics senior group swimmers made their way south to Clovis High School just outside of Fresno on Thursday, February 25, for the Clovis Invitational.

The first event of the meet, the 1000yd freestyle, began at 3:00pm.

After a full slate of events spanning 3 days, the Orinda club earned a 2nd place team finish behind Clovis Swim Club.

While the annual trip is a “peak” performance meet on the competitive calendar, it is also an important opportunity for “setting good examples for other teams about what a team atmosphere should be like,” explained long-time head coach Don Heidary.

This year, over 100 Orinda Aquatics swimmers attended the trip. Former team swimmer and now club coach Kevin Lai explained, “When I was on the team, it was a big deal for 16 of us to be going. It was no doubt the biggest meet for us and I think it still is for most of the team.”

Like his twin brother, fellow OA coach Ron Heidary is known for his cultivation of character as much as talent.  He has been pleased to observe exemplary behavior from his athletes on trips like the one to Clovis. “I’ve gotten emails from coaches from all over the country that were visiting meets the team was at, and they are amazed at the behavior our swimmers set as examples,” he said.

On the way back from Fresno, the team stopped at In n’ Out for burgers, a team tradition for the past several years. Athletes returned to Campolindo late Sunday night, February 28.