After a third-place finish last year, the Loyola Swim team is already making waves this season. They opened at the Justin Carr Invitational, where they placed first overall, signaling that they may have what it takes to continue their remarkable streak of nineteen straight top-three finishes at the CIF Southern Section Division I finals. Maintaining that legacy is no small feat, and the pressure is on.
Sustaining nearly two decades of success is not easy. Each year, the roster shifts as swimmers graduate and new talent steps in. Despite losing several key contributors, this year’s team is determined to uphold Loyola’s standard of excellence.
Captain David Chung ‘26 expressed confidence in the team’s potential, saying, “I think we will do really well this year. Our team is strong, and everyone is motivated to improve. If we keep supporting each other, we will have a great season. I also believe that our team this year is very well-bonded and connected, which is one of the main reasons we are such a great team. At practice, the environment is competitive, but at the same time also incredibly supportive.”
That balance of competition and support was on full display at the Justin Carr Invitational at Harvard-Westlake. On March 6, the Cubs showcased their preparation and depth, scoring 94 points and defeating the competition by nearly 40 points. The dominant performance reinforced the idea that Loyola has the potential to extend its streak to twenty consecutive top-three CIF finishes.
Underclassmen have played a key role in this early success, stepping up with impressive performances and proving they are ready to carry the program forward. Their efforts at the invitational demonstrated that the next generation of Loyola swimmers is prepared to take on the responsibility of sustaining the team’s legacy.
As the season progresses, the underclassmen will be ones to watch, while the upperclassmen and captains continue to lead and guide the team. Looking ahead, the Cubs face a series of challenging meets that will test both their performance and their chemistry. Their ultimate goal, however, remains the CIF Southern Section finals, where they will aim to continue their historic run.
With a first-place invitational win already under their belts, the team is off to a strong start. Their focus now shifts to the upcoming Mission League season, which begins April 13 when the Cubs travel to Harvard-Westlake to face the Wolverines.
