The Danbury Lakers swim team has broken several records this season and is on its way to more success. They are, from left, Ally Clark, Matty Kellem, Laura Zywiec, Ellie Colón, Evan Sandvick, Ethan McDonald, and Landon Funk. (Submitted photo)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

DANBURY – The Danbury High School swim team is having an extraordinary year. Under the guidance of Coach Pam Starr, the swimmers have improved as individuals, developed strong bonds that resulted in an impressive and cohesive team, and, as a result, broken record after record.

Team captains, Ellie Colón and Evan Sandvick, will likely be heading to districts. Sandvick holds the school breaststroke record, and Colón broke four individual records – in 500 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 100 freestyle, and 50 freestyle.

The relay team that includes Colón, Laura Zywiec, Matty Kellem, and Ally Clark broke the 200 freestyle relay record for the second time at the Craig Johnson Invitational hosted by the Danbury Lakers on Jan. 17. Colón said their closeness came slowly but their success is strong.

“It took time to build the bonds we have, but we really work well together,” she said. “We’ll most likely break the record again.”

The Danbury Lakers Girls Relay team broke the school’s 200 freestyle relay record twice this season. They are, from left, Ally Clark, Ellie Colón, Laura Zywiec, and Matty Kellem. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Sandvick said his success in the water comes from a focus on consistency and dedication. He is a three-sport athlete who also plays basketball and golf.

“Being a well-rounded athlete definitely helps. I work hard,” he said.

Ethan McDonald broke the 100 backstroke record twice this year and is close to breaking more records. Like Sandvick, he said success comes from dedication.

“I just think it’s about consistently working hard,” he said. “Last year was the first year I swam year-round, so I’ve had some improvement.”

Danbury Lakers swimmers, Evan Sandvick, left, and Ethan McDonald will likely go to districts this season. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

The team’s success has an anchor in Coach Starr. She has been coaching since she assisted famed swim coach Wally Lutkus in Cleveland beginning when she was just 14. She turned to swimming in seventh grade when illness transformed her life and left her temporarily wheelchair bound.

“I couldn’t run anymore. Swimming saved me,” she said.

Starr came to Danbury as an assistant coach in 2018. She and Thomas DeHaas, who was head coach at that time, brought swimming back to Danbury.

“The school hadn’t had a team since the 60s,” Starr said. “In 2018, it was more a club thing, and we had our first actual team in 2019-2020.”

Coach Pam Starr brings years of experience and a passion for coaching to the Danbury Lakers swim team. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Starr took over the team as head coach this year, and she’s pouring decades of experience into her athletes. Her greatest success, she says, isn’t measured by improvements on the scoreboard. It’s measured by improvements in the kids.

Landon Funk is another extraordinary swimmer who will likely head to districts for his skill in the 200 and 500 freestyle. This year, he dropped 35 seconds in the 500 and 20 seconds in the 200. But the biggest changes came outside the pool.

“It’s amazing what this sport has done for him. He’s developed into an amazing swimmer, but he’s also developed socially. It’s nice to see a kid come out of his shell,” Starr said. “That’s when, as a coach, you know you’ve achieved something. It’s not just about times. It’s about what I’m doing for the kids as people.”

What she does is pour her knowledge, her passion for swimming, and her heart into every athlete on the team.

“These are my kids,” she said. “This is my life.”