As City College athletes prepare for end-of-season conferences or state championships, they remember the hard work it took to get them there.

The swimming team has won its conferences and is preparing for the state championship, which took place April 31 - May 3. Coach Jason Craighead credits the team’s dedication and work ethic for the victories. Included in the accomplishment is 50-yard free style swimmer Victoria Ramirez, who has the second fastest time in the schools history.

“We have a good group that did a lot of things they have never done before,” said Craighead.

The softball team finished its season with a 43-3 record. It won the conference and is preparing for the playoffs, where they are ranked second in the system.

The men’s tennis team, which tied for second in the Big 8 conference, finished with an overall record of 4-9. The women also tied for second, but finished with an overall record of 9-6. Ten out of 12 of the tennis players qualified to go to the Northern California Championships. Coach Griffin credits the team’s cohesiveness as its biggest team strength.

“They are a bunch of tremendous people who love the game of tennis,” said Griffin.

Griffin says Jorgen Carlsen was the most improved player. He began playing 3 years ago in Griffin’s morning class and willed himself to becoming No. 2 on the team.

“That’s just unheard of in the game of tennis,” said Griffin.

The men’s track team won the Big 8 for the third year in a row and is looking forward to the Northern California Championship Trials. Team member Neelon Greenwood was voted 2008 Men’s Athlete of the Year, and won Field Athlete of the Year at the conference in long jump and triple jump.

The women’s track team won the conference championships and are preparing for the Northern California Championship Trials. The team coming together contributed to the teams conference win, says coach Lisa Bauduin.

Last week’s individual conference champions included, Davina Collins who won the 100 and 200 meters, Darlice Gill who won the long and triple jumps, Ebony Willis who won the 100-yard of meter hurdles, Julie Platero who won the 800 meters, and Kendalla Gipson, Vanessa Bellamy, Jelani Evans and Ebony Willis who won the 4x400 relay.

“I am just so proud of our team, many of these young ladies have made personal sacrifices to continue to be part of this team,” said Bauduin.