Pioneer Athlete Spotlight on Adrian Casey
Mt. Diablo High School had not had a swim team since the last millennium until this spring when coach Shawna Clark realized the fruits of her six-year effort to form a Red Devils team for its refurbished on-campus pool. Senior Casey had never swum competitively but joined the team as one of only two boys on the small squad that originally included about 16 girls.
Not only was Casey swimming but he was using his experience as a lifeguard for the Boy Scouts during the summer to “inspire and help” teammates who were learning to swim, his coach added. Mt. Diablo had two meets before the coronavirus shut down the season.
Casey, who also wrestled for the school during the winter at 152 pounds and is a cheerleader, said, “I have been waiting four years for a swim team to get started and the year we get it running, it got taken away from me. These past four years have been amazing and I can’t wait to start my life.”
He formed an American Sign Language club on campus. Adrian also was briefly tennis team captain and served as an Athletic Training Student Aid (ATSA) providing first aid at Red Devils athletic events. He also did a paid internship at MDHS tennis coach and teacher David Pintado’s company East Bay CPR. Pintado adds, “Adrian and his mother were members of our MDUSD Career Technical Education Advisory Board.”
Casey plans to take some time off from school before enrolling at DVC, possibly next spring. He will not be too far from his alma mater, though, as he promised Clark that he will return next year to help her coach the swim team. Clark also has more plans for MDHS aquatics as she is looking to form boys and girls water polo teams in the fall.
The Pioneer congratulates Adrian and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com
Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the
Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@pioneerpublishers.com.