It only took one race for Robinson head swimming coach Clayton Joyner to feel a victory vibe at the Virginia AAA State Swim and Dive finals on Feb. 19 in Virginia Beach.
"As soon as the meet started the girls opened up as state champions in the 200-meter medley relay," he said. "When that happened, I knew we were going to win the state."
Joyner's prediction came true.
The girls' went on to capture the 2009-10 state swimming title with 227.5 points, their second state title in a row. Langley finished in second with 166 points, followed by Osbourn in third with 127 points.
"Overall it was a great trip and we came out with the [win]," Joyner said. "We won in dominating fashion and I like that."
The first year head coach felt the team had the ability to repeat as state champs when he took over the team in December.
"I knew in the beginning of the season we had a really good shot to win the state," he said. "As long as we didn't do anything stupid and we stayed focused, we could win it."
Although it was a team victory, individual performances helped buoy the Rams above their competition.
After earning a time of 2:01.90 in the medley relay, sophomore Rachael Canty spearheaded the Rams push for the state title.
Canty's third place finish in the girls' 100-meter breaststroke padded Robinson's point total, and she also contributed as a member of the 200-meter freestyle relay and 200-meter medley relay.
"She was huge for us," Joyner said. "When the going gets tough and I need someone on the front lines, she's one of the first people I want there."
While one state title winning streak has begun to the Rams, another met an end.
The boys' swim team's seven-year state title streak expired at the hands of Oakton who won the boys' state title with 202 points. Robinson finished in fourth with 152 points.
"I was proud of them," Joyner said. "There were just some really good teams out there this year."
Despite the disappointing loss, Joyner said the team is far from entering a rebuilding year.
"We're returning just about every person on the boys' team," Joyner said. "Our guys are going to come out swinging next year."