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It’s a swim that only one Alcatraz prisoner is believed to have successfully completed—and on July 24, three alumni undertook the challenge in memory of the late Ron Freeman.

Class of ‘11 graduates Nikki Danese and Sonika Singh and Class of ‘10 graduate Andrew Stewart participated in the swimming portion of the 31st annual “Alcatraz: Escape from the Rock!” triathlon. They swam to raise money through sponsorships for the Ron Freeman Aquatic Scholarship. Freeman, who died in January, coached all three in aquatic sports during their four years at MVHS, and had close relationships with all three.

The swim from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco Wharf is approximately 1.5 miles. Though the date of the event is carefully selected for optimal tide conditions, certain parts of the water can often be colder than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Danese noted that the boat that took the swimmers from Aquatic Park to the starting point of the swim is the same one where she and Singh celebrated their senior prom.

“I’d say the adrenaline for this is a little more than for prom,” Singh said.

Before boarding the boat, Danese expressed a mix of emotions. “I’m pretty nervous. I feel like as soon as we get off that boat, adrenaline will just be rushing, but we’re going to have Ron right there with us. And I’ll have two of my best friends.”

Stewart came in first place in the male age 18-19 group, with a time of 38:06.4.

Danese and Singh came in 2nd and 3rd in the female age 16-19 group, with times of 44:01.3 and 46:18.6 respectively.

Upon completing the swim, they raised a total of approximately $2,000 for the scholarships. Donations are accepted through August 16.

To donate, or for more information on the alumni’s efforts, visit the swimmers’ website here.