The Valhalla High School swim and dive team’s four seniors have left their legacy in the Norsemen’s pool as they navigate into the next phase of their lives.
It was an exciting past just as it promises to be an exciting future.
Jordan Alstad — Diving
Alstad placed runner-up at this year’s San Diego Section Division I diving championships en route to finishing 16th at the state championships meet.
“Jordan has been an asset to the team since walking on deck her freshman year,” VHS coach Steena Harriman said. “She has placed in the top eight each year she competed (in CIF). Jordan is a mentor and role model to new divers — always offering to help when needed or talk a new diver through a difficult dive.
“Jordan really got to shine her senior year when, although injured, was able to be the CIF Division I runner up. Jordan went on to compete at CIF state championships and placed 16th, the highest placing a Valhalla diver has ever achieved at the state level.”
A scholar-athlete with a 3.5 GPA, Alstad will be diving at the University of Hawaii in the fall.
Elle Fishwick — Diving
Fishwick, a former gymnast, started diving her freshman year after the gymnastics program was put on hold.
“Elle was a natural on the board — totally fearless,” Harriman said. “Elle recorded her highest placement in league and CIF in her senior year. Not only was Elle a wonderful diver, but she was the team hype-girl. You could always hear Elle cheering for a teammate, and even for divers on the other team. Her electric personality allowed her to befriend divers from all over the Grossmont league.”
A scholar-athlete who graduated with a 4.5 GPA, Fishwick will be attending Cal Poly at San Louis Obispo in the fall.
Eli Mohr — Swimming
A name synonymous with distance swimming, Mohr has been a star freestyler since his freshman year, specializing in the 200-and 500-yard freestyle events.
“Eli has been a league champion and CIF finalist in both events over the years,” Harriman said. “Eli is the kind of swimmer who always went hard; there would be nothing in his way of swimming his best — race or practice. A quiet leader, Eli was a team captain and mentor to younger swimmers. Always offering to advise those in need or shout and give silly jokes when someone was down, Eli always made the pool a fun place.”
A scholar-athlete graduating with a 3.7 GPA, Mohr will continue his swimming career next year at Grossmont College.
Jack Forstot — Swimming
Forstot was a Grossmont Hills league champion in three events this spring, including the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly besides swimming a leg on the Norsemen’s championship 400-yard freestyle relay team.
“Jack is a leader to his team and an inspiration to his teammates — they depend on his expertise and speed at each and every meet,” Harriman said. “He has led his team as captain in both his junior and senior year. He has been a strong utility swimmer over the years, although he specializes in sprint freestyle and butterfly.
“You can always find Jack counting the 500 for his friend Eli or behind someone’s lane cheering for them. He has been a CIF qualifier since his freshman year.”
In the fall he will be heading to Colby College in Waterville, Me., to continue his swimming career.
