Loyola Swim Team Is Going for the Gold

By Tracy Edwards

THE LOYOLA SWIM TEAM has built a legacy of success. The reigning CIF State champions have finished in the top three since 2007, but they take nothing for granted. The team’s impressive record has been built on a solid foundation of commitment and accountability. “The boys are not only swimming for themselves, they swim for their teammates and Loyola,” explains Varsity Head Coach Kevin Mann. “I think the secret sauce is that we have created an atmosphere of camaraderie and tradition.”

Another factor to the team’s success: incredibly talented athletes. Leading the pack, is an elite group of powerhouse seniors, many who have been recruited to Division 1 schools, including team captains Rex Maurer ’23 and Max Cahill ’23. “We have a special senior class,” says Coach Mann. “Rex is probably the best high school swimmer in the country. He leads by example, works hard and gets good grades. Rex is going to Stanford, Max is going to Indiana and Zach Larrick ’23 is going to UVA—they were all intensely recruited. It’s a very unique situation to have so much talent.

For many high school swim programs, coach turnover is commonplace, not so on Loyola’s Conn Pool deck where consistency is key. This is due in large part to the committed coaching staff of eight, which includes several alums. “The culture and DNA of the team starts from Kevin who has coached here since 2001 and Chris Gibson who has been here since 2007,” says JV Head Coach James Banks ’04, who joined the coaching staff in 2005 while still a student at USC. “All of us know a lot about swimming and we all truly enjoy it, otherwise we wouldn’t be here.”

“The boys are not only swimming for themselves, they swim for their teammates and Loyola.”

—Varsity Head Coach Kevin Mann

As they gear up to face rival Santa Margarita at CIF sectionals in May, Coach Mann emphasizes the need for balance, which includes doing well academically as well as being a good person and teammate. “Big picture, I want the kids to stay healthy and give everything they have. They all have their own goals and we want to help them get there.”

1940s

Charles L. Sorrentino ’46

How many still standing in the Class of ’46?

Ronald Baisley ’49

I graduated in 1949 and I miss Loyola.

Thomas E. Hall ’49

My wife Cynthia and I have enjoyed 60 happy years in Reno where we raised four daughters and I practiced pathology. We had a great time at our “49ers” 60th reunion and campus tour. The Loyola Magazine is tops!

1950s

John Valenzuela ’54

Loyola High School 1958, USC PharmacyDoctor Degree 1962. Retired in 1970. Thanks to Jesuits, still alive at the age of 86.

Richard Coppola ’56

Keep up the good work!! Sorry I could not make Mass on 09/06/2022. I think it is a great idea to have Mass & then lunch after. God Bless.

Steven A. Balch ’57

Retired after 50 years of medical practice. The foundation for this career was absolutely set up for me at Loyola.

1960s

Luis A. Uranga ’61

Growing old but still enjoying life with my wife Marilyn of 54 years.

Robert Gannon ’62

Started teaching physics, physio and theology in 1969. Retired in 2017. Also worked in fraud at AT&T. Love teaching. Now elder at Newman Center, UC Berkeley, CA.