May 4, 2026

Written by Coaches Masi and Parry

If there were any doubts about how the Martin Luther King High School swim team would finish its season, they were silenced this week at the Big VIII League Championships. In a stunning display of peak performance, the Wolves turned what had been a steady season into an explosive finale, proving that they are a team that rises to the occasion when the lights are brightest.

The most staggering statistic of the meet tells the whole story: 52 swims resulted in 52 season-best times. In a sport where shaving off a fraction of a second is considered a victory, seeing every single athlete on the roster drop time was nothing short of incredible. The championship format seemed to unlock a new level of speed across the board, with some swimmers dropping four to eight seconds off their previous bests between prelims and finals.

The top of the podium was a familiar home for the Wolves. Victor Perez and Alyssa Bian were dominant, each being crowned League Champions in both of their individual events. Alyssa added a third league patch to her collection as part of the 400 free relay, alongside teammates Alyssa Christensen, Chloe Clendenen, and Addisyn Sharpe, who fought through a nail-biter to claim the final league title of the meet. The record books also required an update, as Alyssa Bian set a new League Record in the 100 butterfly with a blistering 55.08.

The excitement didn’t stop with the veterans. Caleb Van Der Linden broke the one-minute barrier in the 100 fly for the first time, dropping four seconds from his prelim time in a single day. We also celebrated as Ethan Tan, Jack Roland, and Addisyn Sharpe officially punched their individual tickets to CIF, joining several teammates who had already qualified. Watching the sheer determination from swimmers like Journey Reish, Jamen Iverson, Charlotte Cleary, and Kareem Istwani—who pushed themselves to the limit to secure massive time drops—was a highlight for the entire coaching staff.

Additionally, there was a powerful display of the “Unified” spirit that defines our team. This year, we were incredibly proud to see Gabe Urteaga and Omar Awad take to the pool to represent the Wolves on the league’s biggest stage.

Both Gabe and Omar turned in inspiring performances in their individual 50-yard events, but the highlight of the day was a historic first for our program. For the first time ever, the Wolves fielded a 4×100 Unified Relay team, with Gabe and Omar joining forces with teammates Vincent Arias and Jayden Tima. The energy on the deck reached a fever pitch as the four of them moved through the water, perfectly embodying the idea that swimming is at its best when everyone has a lane. Their season isn’t over yet, either! We are thrilled to announce that Gabe and Omar will be continuing their journey as they head to the CIF Championships next week to compete once again.

Beyond the 8 CIF Automatic times and 12 Consideration marks, the real victory was the shift in energy. After a mid-season stretch where times felt stagnant and the grind felt heavy, the Wolves rediscovered their spark. The deck was alive with a fun, celebratory atmosphere as the team cheered for one another’s successes.

While the season ends here for most, they leave the water with a sense of accomplishment that only comes from true discipline and sacrifice. For those moving on to the CIF Championships next week, they carry a massive wave of momentum. This team has proven that they don’t just compete—they finish strong. We couldn’t be prouder of the heart, speed, and spirit shown by every member of the Wolfpack.