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Cali Condors
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The Cali Condors was a professional swimming club and one of the original eight clubs of the International Swimming League. The team was based in San Francisco led by general manager Jason Lezak[1] and head coach Gregg Troy.[2] Assistant Coaches for the 2019 Season were Dean Boxall, Jeff Julian, and Linda Kiefer.
Key Information
During the inaugural season in 2019 they earned their spot in the final as one of the top two teams in their division.[3] They finished the season as the top American team in the league ahead of their rival LA Current.[4]
The Condors won their first International Swimming League Championship during the 2020 Season in Budapest, Hungary. They were led by Head Coach Jonty Skinner, and assistant coaches Allison Beebe, Sean Schimmel, and Brian Schrader.
Head coaches
[edit]Gregg Troy (2019, 2021) Jonty Skinner (2020)
2019 International Swimming League season
[edit]Team roster
[edit]ISL teams had a maximum roster of 32 athletes for 2019 season, with a suggested size of each club's traveling roster of 28 (14 men and 14 women). Each club had a captain and a vice-captain of different gender. The Condors had a majority of Americans on their team with athletes from five other countries around the world.
Match results
[edit]In the 2019 (inaugural) ISL season, the Condors finished in 3rd place in the final.[4]
| Dates | Location | Venue | Teams | Results | MVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular season | |||||
| 5–6 October |  Indianapolis
|
Indiana University Natatorium |  Energy Standard 539
|
[6][7] |  Sarah Sjöström
|
| 12–13 October |  Naples
|
Piscina Felice Scandone | Energy Standard 493
|
[8][9] | Caeleb Dressel
( |
| 15–16 November | College Park
|
Geary F. Eppley Recreation Center | LA Current 495
|
[10][11] | Caeleb Dressel
( |
| Final Match | |||||
| 20–21 December | Las Vegas
|
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino | Energy Standard 453.5
|
[12][13] | Caeleb Dressel
( |
Team roster
[edit]
Match results
[edit]| Dates | Location | Venue | Teams | Results | MVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular season | |||||
| 16–17 October (Match 1) |
 Budapest
|
Danube Arena | Cali Condors 567
|
[15] | Lilly King ( Cali Condors) 87.5 pts |
| 26–27 October (Match 4) |
Budapest
|
Danube Arena | Cali Condors 610.5
|
[16] | Caeleb Dressel ( Cali Condors) 75 pts |
| 5–6 November (Match 8) |
Budapest
|
Danube Arena | Cali Condors 507
|
[17] | Caeleb Dressel ( Cali Condors) 69 pts |
| 9–10 November (Match 10) |
Budapest
|
Danube Arena | Cali Condors 558
|
[18] | Caeleb Dressel ( Cali Condors) 80.5 pts |
| Semifinal | |||||
| 15-16 November (Semifinal 2) |
Budapest
|
Danube Arena | Cali Condors 605.5
|
[19] | Caeleb Dressel ( Cali Condors) 90.5 pts |
| Final Match | |||||
| 21-22 November (Final) |
Budapest
|
Danube Arena | Cali Condors 561.5
|
[20] | Caeleb Dressel ( Cali Condors) 96 pts |
Team roster
[edit]
Match results
[edit]| Dates | Location | Venue | Teams | Results | MVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular season | |||||
| 28-29 August (Match 2) |
Naples
|
Piscina Felice Scandone | Cali Condors 707
|
[21] | Coleman Stewart
|
| 4-5 September (Match 4) |
Naples
|
Piscina Felice Scandone | Cali Condors 594
|
[22] | Caeleb Dressel
|
| 11-12 September (Match 6) |
Naples
|
Piscina Felice Scandone |  London Roar 529.5
|
[23] |  Daiya Seto
|
| 16-17 September (Match 7) |
Naples
|
Piscina Felice Scandone | Cali Condors 581
|
[24] | Beata Nelson
|
References
[edit]- ^ League, International Swimming. "ISL Announces the Cali Condors Team Roster for the 2019 Season". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2020-05-14.
- ^ "Gregg Troy Named Head Coach of Cali Condors of International Swimming League". SwimSwam. 2019-09-05. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
- ^ "2019 ISL American Derby – Day 2 Live Recap". SwimSwam. 2019-11-17. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
- ^ a b "International Swimming League Finale in Las Vegas: Day Two Live Recap". SwimSwam. 2019-12-22. Retrieved 2020-05-14.
- ^ "Club Rosters – International Swimming League". Archived from the original on 2019-10-22. Retrieved 2020-04-17.
- ^ "ISL Indianapolis Day 1 Results". ISL. 5 October 2019. Archived from the original on 9 October 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
- ^ "2019 ISL Series Indianapolis, IN" (PDF). ISL. 6 October 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 May 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
- ^ "2019 ISL Series Naples, ITA" (PDF). ISL. 12 October 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 October 2019. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
- ^ "2019 ISL Series Naples, ITA" (PDF). ISL. 13 October 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 October 2019. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
- ^ "2019 ISL Season College Park (USA)" (PDF). ISL. 16 November 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 November 2019. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
- ^ "2019 ISL Season College Park (USA)" (PDF). ISL. 17 November 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 November 2019. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
- ^ "2019 ISL Season Las Vegas" (PDF). ISL. 21 December 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 December 2019. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
- ^ "2019 ISL Season Las Vegas" (PDF). ISL. 22 December 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2019.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Team Rosters Cali Condors". isl.global. Retrieved 7 November 2020.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "2020 ISL Preliminaries Budapest (HUN) - Match 1" (PDF). ISL. 17 October 2020. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ "2020 ISL Preliminaries Budapest (HUN) - Match 4" (PDF). ISL. 27 October 2020. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ "2020 ISL Preliminaries Budapest (HUN) - Match 8" (PDF). ISL. 6 November 2020. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
- ^ "2020 ISL Preliminaries Budapest (HUN) - Match 10" (PDF). ISL. 9 November 2020. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 November 2020. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
- ^ "2020 ISL Semifinals Budapest (HUN) - Match 12" (PDF). ISL. 15 November 2020. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 November 2020. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
- ^ "2020 ISL Semifinals Budapest (HUN) - Final Match" (PDF). ISL. 21 November 2020. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 November 2020. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
- ^ "ISL Match 2. Women's 100m Butterfly" (PDF). Omega. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
- ^ "ISL Match 4. Women's 100m Butterfly" (PDF). Omega. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
- ^ "ISL Match 6. Women's 100m Butterfly" (PDF). Omega. 11 September 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
- ^ "ISL Match 7. Women's 100m Butterfly" (PDF). Omega. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
Cali Condors
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
Founding and Location
The Cali Condors were established in 2018 as a professional swimming club and became one of the original eight franchises in the International Swimming League (ISL), a new professional competition format designed to elevate the sport through team-based events and equal prize money for men and women.[1][4] The ISL's inaugural season in 2019 featured teams from various regions, including four from the United States, with the Condors positioned as a key participant in this innovative league founded by Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorishin to professionalize swimming beyond Olympic cycles.[5][6] Headquartered in San Francisco, California, the team represents the West Coast of the United States, drawing on the region's strong swimming heritage and proximity to major aquatic facilities.[1] This location underscores the ISL's strategy to anchor American franchises in prominent coastal cities, fostering local fan engagement and talent pipelines from nearby universities and clubs.[7] The team's formal introduction aligned with the ISL's buildup to its debut season, with the Condors' roster announced on June 11, 2019, highlighting star swimmers to build anticipation.[4] Launch activities culminated in the league's opening matches starting October 4-5, 2019, in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the Condors competed in their first official events as part of a global tour format leading to the season finale in Las Vegas.[8] Branding for the Cali Condors evokes California's natural symbols, with the name inspired by the California condor, the state's iconic large bird species known for its impressive wingspan and conservation story.[9] The team's visual identity features a logo depicting a stylized condor in flight, paired with primary colors of blue and gold to reflect coastal waters and regional pride.[10]Ownership and Management
The Cali Condors operated under the International Swimming League's (ISL) centralized team model, where franchises were established and primarily backed by ISL founder and primary investor Konstantin Grigorishin, a Ukrainian billionaire who committed over $25 million annually to fund the league's operations and team development.[11] This structure positioned the Condors as one of the league's original eight teams, with administrative oversight integrated into ISL's global framework rather than independent private ownership.[12] In April 2019, Jason Lezak was appointed as the team's General Manager, leveraging his background as a four-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, including anchor legs in the victorious U.S. 4x100m freestyle relays at the 2008 and 2012 Games.[6] Lezak, who retired from competition after the 2012 London Olympics, transitioned into leadership roles that capitalized on his elite athlete experience.[13] As General Manager, Lezak managed key aspects of franchise operations, including roster construction through athlete recruitment and contract negotiations, securing sponsorship partnerships, and coordinating logistical elements such as training and travel.[4] His responsibilities extended to fostering team culture and ensuring compliance with ISL protocols, drawing on his network from a career that included multiple world championship medals. Under his leadership, the Condors secured notable sponsorship deals, such as with Bratter PA, which served as the team's official immigration law firm for the 2020 season and renewed for 2021, while also supporting ISL charity initiatives.[14] Lezak's Olympic connections have notably influenced athlete recruitment efforts.[13]Coaching Staff
General Manager
Jason Lezak is an American former competitive swimmer and four-time Olympic gold medalist who competed in four Summer Olympics from 2000 to 2012, earning a total of eight Olympic medals, including two silvers and two bronzes.[15] He is best known for his anchor leg in the men's 4×100-meter freestyle relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where his 46.06-second split helped the United States team overcome a 0.58-second deficit to win gold and set a world record of 3:08.24.[16] Lezak also contributed to gold medals in the same relay event at the 2000 Sydney and 2012 London Olympics, as well as a bronze in the 4×100-meter medley relay at Beijing, making him the first male swimmer to win four medals in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay across consecutive Games.[17] Following his retirement from competitive swimming after the 2012 London Olympics, Lezak transitioned into sports management, joining the newly formed International Swimming League (ISL) as the general manager of the Cali Condors in 2019.[4] In this role, he oversaw the team's assembly and operations for the San Francisco-based franchise, one of four U.S. teams in the league.[13] Lezak's key achievements as general manager included recruiting elite international talent to build a formidable roster, such as securing contracts for world-record holder Caeleb Dressel, Olympic champion Lilly King, and Australian star Ariarne Titmus, which bolstered the team's competitive edge in the ISL's inaugural seasons.[18] He collaborated briefly with head coaches on roster selections to align athlete signings with strategic needs.[19] Additionally, Lezak managed operational aspects like player contracts—where athletes signed dual agreements with their team and the ISL for revenue streams—and coordinated travel logistics for international competitions across Europe and North America during the 2019–2021 seasons.[20] Lezak remained the general manager of the Cali Condors during the league's hiatus following the 2021 season, continuing to advocate for the growth of professional swimming platforms like the ISL.[21] His leadership emphasized team chemistry and execution under pressure, drawing from his Olympic experience to promote the ISL's innovative format.[22]Head Coaches
The Cali Condors' head coaching position was held by Gregg Troy during the 2019 International Swimming League (ISL) season and by Jeff Julian during the 2021 season. Troy, a veteran coach with a storied career at the University of Florida where he served as head coach from 1999 to 2018, guided the Gators to 28 NCAA team titles and coached over 75 Olympians.[23] His philosophy centers on refining technique through consistent drills and building endurance via structured distance sets, blending traditional methods with scientific analysis to optimize swimmer efficiency.[24][25] Julian, an experienced coach and cancer survivor, had served as an assistant with the Condors in 2019 before taking the head role in 2021. He focused on team unity and high-performance training, contributing to the team's competitive showings in its final active season.[26][27] For the 2020 season, Jonty Skinner took over as head coach. Born in South Africa and a former world-record holder in the 100m freestyle, Skinner brought extensive expertise in sprint training, honed during his tenure as sprint coach at the University of Alabama and as director of high-performance for USA Swimming.[28][29] Under his leadership, the Condors achieved an undefeated record across eight regular-season matches and clinched the ISL championship in the season final held in Budapest.[30][31] The shift to Skinner for 2020 was followed by Julian's appointment in 2021 as the league returned to a more standard format. Under Troy in 2019, the Condors recorded six wins in nine regular-season matches, securing second place overall and advancing to the playoffs.[32] In 2021, Julian's guidance led to multiple match victories, including back-to-back wins early in the season, culminating in a runner-up finish in the championship final behind Energy Standard.[33][34] These tenures highlight the coaches' contributions to the team's consistent contention for titles, with Skinner's sprint-focused approach delivering the franchise's sole championship to date.2019 ISL Season
Team Roster
The Cali Condors entered the inaugural 2019 International Swimming League (ISL) season with a roster of 28 swimmers, primarily from the United States but including international talent from Australia, Canada, Poland, and other nations. Assembled under general manager Jason Lezak, the team emphasized a mix of established Olympians and rising stars to compete in the new team-based format. The roster featured 14 men and 14 women for traveling to matches, with captains Caeleb Dressel and Olivia Smoliga leading the squad.[1][35] Notable inclusions were breaststroke specialist Lilly King, freestyle ace Townley Haas, and versatile swimmers like Kelsi Dahlia and Hali Flickinger, providing depth across events. International recruits such as Australian Ariarne Titmus and Canadian Kylie Masse added global diversity and competitive edge in freestyle and backstroke. The full roster was announced in June 2019 ahead of the season's start in October.[4][36]Key Roster Highlights
| Category | Notable Players | Nationality | Primary Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women | Lilly King, Olivia Smoliga, Kelsi Dahlia, Hali Flickinger, Ariarne Titmus, Kylie Masse | USA, Australia, Canada | Breaststroke, Backstroke/Freestyle, Butterfly, Middle-Distance Freestyle/IM, Freestyle, Backstroke |
| Men | Caeleb Dressel, Townley Haas, Nic Fink, Mitch Larkin, Radosław Kawęcki | USA, Australia, Poland | Freestyle/Butterfly/IM, Freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke/IM, Backstroke |
Match Results
The 2019 ISL season consisted of eight regular-season matches held across Europe and the United States from October to November, followed by semifinals and a final championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 20–21. The Cali Condors performed strongly in the regular season, finishing second overall with 457 points behind Energy Standard's 539, qualifying for the championship match with the top four teams.[37] Key victories included Match 1 in Indianapolis (October 5–6), where they edged out competitors in relays, and the American Derby in Lewisville, Texas (November 16–17), showcasing depth in freestyle and medley events. Standout performances featured Caeleb Dressel winning multiple events, including the 100m butterfly, and Lilly King dominating breaststroke races. In the Las Vegas final, the Condors secured third place with 415.5 points, behind Energy Standard (453.5) and London Roar (444), highlighted by strong relay finishes but challenged in individual sprints.[38][39]2020 ISL Season
Team Roster
The Cali Condors entered the 2020 ISL season with a 32-swimmer roster of 16 men and 16 women, assembled amid the COVID-19 pandemic through a combination of retained athletes and free agent acquisitions. The team operated in a bio-secure bubble in Budapest, Hungary, focusing on depth across events despite withdrawals from several Australian swimmers. Core returnees included Olympic champions Caeleb Dressel and Lilly King, providing leadership in sprint freestyle/butterfly and breaststroke, respectively.[40] New additions enhanced international diversity and event coverage, such as Ecuadorian IM/breaststroker Tomas Peribonio and American sprinter Lia Neal, both acquired from the New York Breakers, along with Polish breaststroker Marcin Cieslak and American distance freestyler Haley Anderson. The roster emphasized American talent but included swimmers from Poland, Ecuador, Great Britain, Jordan, Chinese Taipei, and others, reflecting the league's global appeal.[40][41] Challenges included the loss of key backstroker Mitch Larkin to withdrawal, prompting adjustments in IM and backstroke lineups. Captains Caeleb Dressel and Olivia Smoliga led the team, with general manager Jason Lezak overseeing operations and Jonty Skinner serving as head coach after Jeff Julian's hospitalization. The bubble format limited travel but allowed focused training, contributing to the team's cohesion.[42][43]Key Roster Highlights
| Category | Notable Players | Nationality | Primary Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women Returnees | Lilly King, Kelsi Dahlia, Hali Flickinger, Molly Hannis, Olivia Smoliga | USA | Breaststroke, Butterfly, Butterfly/IM, Breaststroke, Backstroke/Freestyle |
| Women Additions | Beata Nelson, Erika Brown, Lia Neal, Haley Anderson, Melanie Margalis | USA | IM/Backstroke, Freestyle/Butterfly, Freestyle, Distance Freestyle, IM |
| Men Returnees | Caeleb Dressel, Townley Haas, Nic Fink, Kevin Cordes, Justin Ress | USA | Freestyle/Butterfly/IM, Freestyle, Breaststroke, Breaststroke, Backstroke/Freestyle |
| Men Additions | Tomas Peribonio, Marcin Cieslak, Radoslaw Kawecki, Kacper Majchrzak, Coleman Stewart | Ecuador, Poland, Poland, Poland, USA | IM/Breaststroke, Breaststroke, Backstroke, Freestyle, Backstroke/Freestyle |
Match Results
The 2020 ISL season was shortened and held entirely in Budapest, Hungary, from October 16 to November 22, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring 10 regular season matches followed by semifinals and a grand final at the Danube Arena. The Cali Condors dominated the regular season, topping the standings with superior performances in relays and individual events, securing the top seed for playoffs.[44] They posted strong wins across matches, including a 192-point margin over Iron in Match 4, driven by Lilly King's triple victories in breaststroke events, and consistent relay successes. Caeleb Dressel contributed multiple golds in sprint freestyles and butterflies, helping retake the league lead after Match 4.[45][46] In the playoffs, the Condors won their semifinal convincingly before clinching the championship in the grand final on November 22, defeating Energy Standard 561.5–464.5. Dressel earned season MVP honors with 96 points, highlighted by dominant skins race performances, while Lilly King scored 71 points. The victory marked the team's first ISL title, with no losses in the postseason.[47][2]2021 ISL Season
Team Roster
Following their 2020 championship victory, the Cali Condors assembled a 2021 roster that retained key performers from the previous season while incorporating fresh talent to address depth needs, particularly in the wake of the Tokyo Olympics. Core players such as Beata Nelson, a versatile IM and backstroke specialist, and Coleman Stewart, a standout in backstroke and freestyle, returned to anchor the team, providing stability after the bubble-era success.[48] New additions bolstered specific events, including butterfly expertise with Canadian veteran Katerine Savard and American Erika Brown, who brought freestyle and butterfly versatility to complement stars like Caeleb Dressel. Other notable recruits encompassed Russian IM swimmer Anastasia Sorokina and Ecuadorian IM specialist Tomas Peribonio, acquired through the draft process to enhance international diversity.[48][49] The full roster comprised 31 swimmers—16 men and 15 women—with a strong emphasis on blending established Olympians and emerging talents to foster youth integration, a strategic shift post-2020 to sustain long-term competitiveness. For travel to the Naples, Italy pod, the team selected a mix of experience and potential amid the league's global format. This composition highlighted diversity, with athletes from 10 countries including the USA (majority), Germany, Russia, Poland, Canada, and Mexico.[48][50] The rebuild faced hurdles from post-Olympic fatigue, leading to several athlete opt-outs that influenced draft selections and forced reliance on protected retainees like Lilly King and Olivia Smoliga. ISL draft outcomes allowed the Condors to secure undervalued prospects, mitigating gaps in breaststroke and freestyle events.[51][52] Olivia Smoliga continued her role as women's captain, guiding the squad with her leadership in backstroke and freestyle while co-captaining alongside Caeleb Dressel to unify the diverse group.[53]Key Roster Highlights
| Category | Notable Players | Nationality | Primary Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women Returnees | Beata Nelson, Lilly King, Olivia Smoliga, Hali Flickinger, Molly Hannis | USA | IM/Backstroke, Breaststroke, Backstroke/Freestyle, Butterfly/IM, Breaststroke |
| Women Additions | Katerine Savard, Erika Brown, Anastasia Sorokina, Marie Pietruschka | Canada, USA, Russia, Germany | Butterfly, Freestyle/Butterfly, IM, Freestyle |
| Men Returnees | Caeleb Dressel, Coleman Stewart, Nic Fink, Townley Haas, Justin Ress | USA | Freestyle/Butterfly/IM, Backstroke/Freestyle, Breaststroke, Freestyle, Backstroke/Freestyle |
| Men Additions | Tomas Peribonio, Angel Martinez, Jesse Puts, Kacper Majchrzak | Ecuador, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland | IM, IM/Butterfly, Freestyle, Freestyle |