Winter sports preview: swimming

Girls

Head coach: Jeff Ziegler (First year).

Last year’s record: 10-1.

Key returnees: Girls: Ashley Le (Sr.), Mariayanna Arundel (Sr.), Kaitlyn Turner (Sr.), Tori March (Jr.), Cassidy Le (Jr.), Cassie Freeman (So.), Sarah Litvinksy (So.).

Key losses: Liza Peressini, Ryan Caruth, Sami Freeman.

Key newcomers: Sophie Messinger (Fr.), Emily Le (Fr.), Danni Freeman (Fr.).

Strengths of team: Depth.

Areas that need improvement: Technical areas.

Outlook: The girls look to continue success with two straight  undefeated dual-meet seasons. Even though they lost key swimmers in Peressini, Caruth, and Freeman, the ladies still have a lot of experience. Seniors Ashley Le, Mariayanna Arundel, and Kaitlyn Turner will provide key experience. The lady swimmers will definitely be a tough challenge for opponents this season.

Coach’s comment: “We are very excited for this year. There is a great mix of veterans and youth. Both squads are attempting to venture into uncharted territory for the program. From day one, we have not just talked about getting into states, but advancing further than ever before.”

Boys

Head coach: Jeff Ziegler (First year).

Last year’s record: 4-5.

Key returnees: Kyle Arden (Sr.), Dave Menville (Sr.), Connor Weis (Sr.), Sam Maquet (Sr.), Jimmy Spillane (Jr.), Eli O’Connor (Jr.), Chris Vindigni (So.)

Key losses: Charlton Walczyk, Dylan Herman, Matt Kanter.

Key newcomers: Troy Peressini (So.).

Strengths of team: Depth.

Areas that need improvement: Technical areas.

Outlook: The boys bring back many swimmers, who will look to clinch a state tournament berth after falling short last season. With a core group of swimmers that have experience, including juniors Spillane and O’Connor and seniors Arden, Menville, and Weis, they are definitely motivated to make to states this season.

Coach’s comment: “We are very excited for this year. There is a great mix of veterans and youth. Both squads are attempting to venture into uncharted territory for the program. From day one, we have not just talked about getting into states, but advancing further than ever before.”