The Ventura College swimming and diving team has made some lofty goals for the rest of the season and expects to meet these through hard work and determination.

The men’s team has aspirations to win the state championship, but they know that confidence can make them complacent if they don’t control it.

Both the men and women’s swim/dive team are undefeated so far this season and in the two meets, the men have finished 2nd and 1st, with the women finishing 4th both times.

Sophomore Michael LeSueur believes the men have a real shot at the state championship, but cannot let their confidence level grow to unprecedented levels.

“[We have to] stay committed and stay focused because we have a really good, fast team this year,” he said.

“But we’re probably our own worst enemy because we could get cocky and too arrogant and then lose focus and have some team upset us. But I think if we stay dedicated and keep working hard in practice then we’ll win.”

The women also have established a monumental goal, which is to win the Western State Conference this season.

According to freshman Shyla Motley, the team is close to achieving their own goals, as well as the team’s aspirations. 

“We get along pretty well, and we get to swim different people everyday so it’s pretty cool,” Motley said. “We’re hoping the boys win state and the girls win conference.” 

Coach Larry Baratte believes that the March 27 meet coming up is an important stepping stone in preparation for the ultimate prize; a state championship.

“The meet coming up is a meet that we’ve seen all of the people that we are competing against, and so it’s more about us, and more about us putting our races together than worrying about our opponents so to speak,” said Baratte.

“[It’s] not that we look past any meets, but we’re really starting to prepare for our championship meets.”

Baratte truly believes the men have a championship-calibur team, but in the end, it falls back on them to reach their goal.

“I think that the men’s goal is to win the state championship,” he said.

“I think that we’re in the conversation. I don’t know if we’re going to do it, but we’re certainly one of the top three teams.”

The Pirates look to continue their journey toward state championships when they host the Ventura Meet this Saturday, March 27 at 10 a.m.