College set to introduce swim team in spring 2010

By Aaron Turner
Staff writer

After two years of talks and planning, City College will usher in a new women’s swimming program in spring 2010.

The team, which will be headed by longtime swimming instructor and coach, Phong Pham, is still in the recruiting stages. Both Pham and women’s athletic director Peg Grady are anxious for the program to get off the ground.

“This was in the works for a while,” Grady said. “Both Phong and myself have been working hard to finally get this through.”

The swim team will be the first of its kind since the campus swimming pool has only been open since fall 2008. City College will be placed in the Coast Conference, competing against schools like Chabot, Foothill, De Anza and Skyline. Although swim meets normally involve both the men’s and women’s teams competing simultaneously, City College will be limited to only female competition.

When asked about interest in a men’s swim team at City College, both Pham and Grady admitted that interest was, and still is high.

“Unfortunately, due to the number of female and male athletes at City College, adding a men’s team would mean there would be an uneven proportion,” Grady said.

Although City College will be somewhat limited in terms of swim meets, Pham remains very excited for the upcoming season.

“We have some experienced swimmers coming over from a few high schools here in the city, as well as swimmers who have taken swim classes at City College,” Pham said.

Prior to working at City College, Pham coached the swim team at Abraham Lincoln High School, as well as USA Club Swim teams.

“Right now my focus is just to build up the program and hopefully be able to compete at meets,” Pham said. “A goal of mine would be to get at least one swimmer to the state championships in April.”

Swim season will kick off following winter break in January. If successful, Coach Pham could see a very positive outcome from City College’s newest program.