The SRJC women’s swim and dive team received back-to-back Big 8 Conference championships in 2008 and 2009, while the men’s team has finished in the top five in state for the past six seasons. In 2011, both squads are aiming for state championships.

Anything less than a state championship would be considered a failure for either team. “If you can’t believe it and state it, then it can’t happen. Both teams have stated their goals and are making no excuses. They want a state championship,” Coach Jill McCormick said.

For the past seven seasons, the SRJC swim and dive teams have dominated conference and state competitions, although the men’s team has never won a state title.

The main reason for the Bear Cub swim and dive teams’ recent success is McCormick. McCormick begins her 11th season as head swim and dive coach and head water polo coach for both the men and women. She received the California Community College Women’s Swim Coach of the Year five out of the last six years. McCormick also earned back-to-back Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year honors for both men and women’s swimming in 2008 and 2009.

The 2011 season is looking bright for both swim and dive teams. The women’s squad is returning nine swimmers from last season, which is half of the team. Jillian Clark and Caitlin O’Rourke, All-Americans in 2010, along with sophomore diver, Vanessa Giosso, were voted team captains by their teammates. O’Rourke was a member of the 2009 state championship team, and Clark is one of the strongest all-around swimmers on the team.

Since the women have exactly 18 swimmers, a high level of commitment from each swimmer is essential. “There’s a strong sense of purpose throughout the team this year. All the swimmers are competing for spots daily and it brings out motivation. Everyone pushes each other to be better,” McCormick said.

Lauren Bugglin, another All-American in 2010 and current SRJC record holder in the 50m backstroke, is vital if the Lady Bear Cubs want another state championship. In addition, freshmen swimmer Jessica Crawford has turned into one of the team’s most reliable swimmers in only her first year on the squad.

Since the men’s team has never earned a state championship, the team made it their personal mission to bring a state title to SRJC this year. “The guys are extremely concentrated and motivated. Anything except a state championship this year would be a let down,” McCormick said.

The men’s team has 10 players returning from last season. The recruiting class this year proved to be substantial, with the men’s team totaling 35 swimmers and divers.

Freshmen divers Dalton Berncich, Jesse Guidi and Daniel Coxon are huge assets and McCormick cannot wait to see their full potential this year. “The men’s team is loaded with a lot of freshmen talent, especially divers, thanks to great recruiting,” McCormick said.

Matt Stuhr, Nick Johnson, and Justin Lomas are the three team captains selected by their teammates. Stuhr and Johnson were All-Americans in 2010, with Stuhr also earning the Big 8 Male Swimmer of the Year. Stuhr currently holds six different varsity records at the SRJC, while also achieving national champion in the 100m fly in 2010.

Lomas, in only his first year on the team has made an influential impact on his teammates and earned their trust. All-Americans in 2010, Dan Crase and Devon Jones, are returning this year and expect to help a lot.

The men’s team has more than enough talented swimmers and divers. The real burden falls on McCormick’s shoulders. “We have so many options; the important thing I have to do is make good decisions. I have to make tactical positioning decisions, putting the right swimmer in the right event,” McCormick said. Both of the teams have their next swim meets on Feb. 11 against San Joaquin Delta in Stockton.