Both the boys and girls swim teams have been preparing and have hopes of surpassing their achievements of last year.

  The boys team ended last year fourth in their division, YAIAA Division II, with an overall record of 3-5 and a record of 3-2 in their division. As for the girls, they also ended fourth in their division with a record of 2-6 overall and a record of 2-3 in their division.

  Swimming coach and science teacher Brian Wingert hopes that this year the team will overcome their small size and have a successful season.

  “We lost eighteen seniors who graduated last year,” said Wingert. “Our teams are smaller than they have been for awhile. This means we won’t be able to fill as many lanes and we will be down points we could have gotten in the past. We just need to swim faster this year to make up for our size.”

  In order to prepare for the season ahead of them the team had preseason practices that began the first week of September and ended on Friday, November 15. The regular season officially began on Monday, November 18, and the team has began having morning practices as well as afternoon practices.

  Morning practices take place from 6:00-7:00 a.m. at the high school in the weight room. There are two morning practices a week, and the team also has practice everyday after school from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

  Senior Katie Norris does not enjoy the morning practices but understands how they help the team.

  “I hate having to wake up early for them,” said Norris. “We have two a week and have to come to at least one which isn’t that bad. We lift weights, and I honestly think it helps us so I don’t really mind going to them.”

   Both teams will have their first meet at the Shrewsbury YMCA on Thursday, December 12. With small teams this year and many beginners, the team will will need to work hard to be prepared for this upcoming meet.

  Senior and new swimmer Derek Rodgers is enjoying his time on the team so far.

  “I knew it was going to be hard, but it’s a lot harder than I thought it would be,” said Rodgers. “It’s really fun, and I like how close the team is. We are practicing hard for our first meet, and hopefully we can pull off a win.”

  Norris is also excited for what is to come from this season.

  “So far we are having a lot of fun together,” said Norris. “We look strong and will hopefully be able to pull off a couple victories. We are a very close team, and no matter what the season brings we are going to have a good time together.”