Catalina Island Swimmer!

As the news video below headlines… These brave high school students are preparing for a big challenge to swim the Catalina Channel in August.. It's known for its cold, dark, and unpredictable waters just off the California coast. The group will complete the 20-mile journey together as one of the first Texas teen relay teams to conquer the channel.

Among swimmers is Western’a very own Matthew Parker (‘21), who has been swimming open water swims for several years, along with his sister, Emily. To prepare for the 20 mile relay swim, from Santa Catalina Island to mainland California, the have been training in lakes in Houston over the winter.

Last summer, Matthew was part of the crew for their coach’s English Channel swim. He will swim along with Emily and four other high school students. The water is very cold and they are not allowed to wear wet suits!

Good luck to Matthew!

Click on the image above to watch the news video about Matthew’s adventure

Matthew (second from left) with co-swimmers