The Dixon Dolphins Swim Team concluded its summer season with a strong showing at the Meet of Champions that was held Aug. 2 and 3 at the Roseville Aquatic Complex. The team attended a Sacramento River Cats game for Northern California Swim League Night in June. The team had a total of 140 swimmers during the summer. Photo courtesy of Dixon Dolphins Swim Team

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Dixon Dolphins Swim Team concluded its summer season with a strong showing at the Meet of Champions that was held Aug. 2 and 3 at the Roseville Aquatic Complex.

The team, made up of swimmers aged 4 to 18, represented Dixon in one of the region’s top competitions following a growth-filled season.

According to Dixon Dolphin President Megan Villasenor, this year was about growth.

“This was a building year,” Villasenor said. “We grew about 20%, so we had a lot of new swimmers, which is fun. By the end of the season, the swimmers had built a lot of strength. A lot of our swimmers who competed got best times, so that’s great.”

The Dolphins competed in a five-team conference and finished the regular season with a 2–2 record. They placed fourth at the conference championships before sending several swimmers to the Meet of Champions.

The Dolphins competed in a five-team conference and finished the regular season with a 2–2 record. They placed fourth at the conference championships before sending several swimmers to the Meet of Champions on Aug. 2 and 3 at the Roseville Aquatic Complex. Photo courtesy of Dixon Dolphins Swim Team

Villasenor stressed that many of the swimmers who competed got their best times.

“We try to base expectations on what swimmers are capable of rather than just guessing,” Villasenor said. “We had a lot more older kids than in previous years.”

The team is led by head coach Gabe Villasenor, who is set to be inducted into the Dixon High School Hall of Fame this fall.

According to Megan Villasenor, community support plays a significant role in the team’s success, especially during major events.

“Dixon is a small community, and we all rely on each other,” Villasenor said. “We have great community sponsors that help us cover our costs. Businesses help us advertise, bring in more swimmers and cheer them on.”

As the school year begins, the Dolphins will transition to a smaller fall program due to limited pool access. The team shares the city’s only public pool with the Dixon High School water polo team.

“We have a really strong partnership with the high school swim team and the city,” Villasenor said.

Fall registration is open to returning swimmers, with registration for new swimmers scheduled to open later. The team capped enrollment last fall after reaching capacity and hopes to expand the program next spring.

The Dixon Dolphin Swim Team and Dixon High School Water Polo team have a close relationship as they both use the Pat Granucci Aquatic Center pool to practice. As the school year begins, the Dolphins will transition to a smaller fall program due to limited pool access. Photo by Scott Mullins

The Dixon Dolphins had a total of 140 swimmers during the summer season. According to Villasenor, swimming is a foundational, lifesaving skill that everyone should learn.

“You’re going to be around water your whole life,” Villasenor said. “Having foundational swimming skills can be lifesaving.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old. While drowning has a high-risk factor, it is ultimately preventable through attentiveness and preparation.

Villasenor, who has had all five of her children swim with the team, encourages other families to get involved.

“Try it; you won’t know unless you try,” she said. “We have a really fun, positive and uplifting community.”

For more information about the swim team, visit dixondolphins.swimtopia.com or email [email protected].