COMMUNITY COLLEGE ROUNDUP : OCC Swimmers Get Record-Setting Victory

MISSION VIEJO —  Orange Coast College Coach Don Watson has said that setting a California community college record by winning 69 consecutive women’s dual swim meets doesn’t mean anything to him or his team.

Well, meaningless or not, Orange Coast has the state record--for any sport--after defeating Saddleback, 107-24, Friday.

“It’s not even anything that we ever talk about,” Watson said. “Although a couple of kids did comment that (today) would not be a good time to lose.”

Friday’s result was never in doubt.

Orange Coast figured to win every race, and it did. Christine Williams won three events and Karen Paulitschek, Celina Lemke and Marna Clark each won two.

“I feel very positive (about the record) because it’s harder for us to win,” Watson said. “The only classes I allow our kids to take other than swimming are ones that will transfer to a four-year school.

“Otherwise, I will give the kid the (phone) numbers of other community college coaches. I’ve done that. Swimming is a privilege.”

Paulitschek, a sophomore who won the 50-yard butterfly in 27.34 seconds and the 100 butterfly (1:02.92), said she joined the swim team because it won the state title in 1988.

“I was a burned-out swimmer,” Paulitschek said. “I thought I would just join for preseason and see how it went.”

In Orange Empire Conference men’s swimming:

Orange Coast 92, Saddleback 21--Paul Barrera won the 200 butterfly (2:02.83) and the 200 breaststroke (2:20.87) to lead visiting Orange Coast (6-0).

In Orange Empire Conference softball:

Orange Coast 4, Saddleback 0--Kristen Heizer pitched a complete game and had an RBI triple for visiting Orange Coast (24-7, 10-2).