June 7, 2011 > Seals shine at showery season opener Seals shine at showery season opener Submitted By Tracy Uyeda Seals Swim Club of East Bay Swim League performed well at the season opener against the Castro Valley Crocodiles (formally the Columbia Crocodiles) on Saturday, June 4. Rain fell steadily throughout the meet, but it did not dampen the spirits of the Seals swimmers. The Seals start the season victorious by outscoring the Crocodiles 642 - 398. Former head coach Ray Murphey has stepped away from the team this year to enjoy time with his new family; former assistant coach Robb Herndon has taken the lead. Returning coaches include Andrew Squires and Jonathan Greene. The team also welcomes new coaches Desiree Fasolis, Caitlin Jorgens and Breana Meagher. This season, the entire coaching staff will continue building the positive momentum created over the years. In 2010 the Seals placed third at the EBSL Championships and were named "Most Improved Team" for the second year in a row. To start 2011, coach Robb was very pleased at the team's execution in the season-opening win. "Our swimmers looked great out there," he said. "Strokes looked good!" Assistant coach Greene concurred, saying, "I was impressed at how well the new age 11- and 12-year-old swimmers are adapting to the longer swim race distances, flip turns and individual medley event." Seals Swim Club will enjoy the win, and looks forward to their first home meet of the young EBSL season, next Saturday, June 11, against the Highland Sharks.