Seventh heaven
Lochmoor’s Sea Dragons swimmers capture seventh straight title

By Jon Malavolti
C & G Sports Writer

The Lochmoor Club swim team, the Sea Dragons, won its seventh straight Michigan Inter-Club Swim Association (MICSA) championship July 27 at the Detroit Golf Club.

The Sea Dragons, fresh off a seventh consecutive undefeated dual-meet season, scored 932 points in the final to finish atop the 14-team standings. They finished 97 points ahead of the second-place team, the Birmingham Athletic Club.

Kevin Hafner, who has coached the Sea Dragons for 14 years, said he was proud of the effort and that the success has been, “beyond my wildest dreams.”

“It’s been a pretty tough thing to do,” he said. “Each year it gets tougher.”

The Sea Dragons displayed their balance of talent, as nearly 50 athletes ranging in age from 5 to 17 scored points in the championship meet.

“You can’t win unless you score at all levels,” Hafner said.

Leading the way was the squad’s talented group of swimmers in the 8-and-under division, including triple title winners Davis Graham and Mackenzie Simon.

Hafner, who is assisted by his brothers, Brian and Dan, and wife, Christine, said the coaching staff focuses on having strong 8-and-under groups who, as they continue to develop, continually improve and help the program.

Douglas Graham added a pair of titles in the 9- and-10-year-old boys age group, including setting a new league record of 1 minute, 8.62 seconds in the 100-meter freestyle.

Hafner also attributed much of the team’s success to, “a lot of support” from everyone involved with the program.

“Hopefully, we can keep it going,” he said.

You can reach Sports Writer Jon Malavolti at jmalavolti@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1040.