Entering its third year as a team, the Oxford High School swimming and diving squad hopes to continue to making a splash in the Flint Metro League.
Their record in dual meets last year was 3-2-1 Overall, they took fourth place in the league.
This year’s aquatic Wildcat team, captained by seniors Brianna Pastewski and Caroline Kerbelis, features 33 swimmers, 12 of whom are new.
The newcomers are freshmen Brooklyn Allen (who will specialize in the sprint free and fly), Brittany Basela (sprint free), Lexi Basinger (sprint free and breast stroke), Grace Galbraith (sprint free), Emily Gilmore (sprint free and breast stroke), Claire Patrell (all around but probably will focus on the sprint free, fly and individual medley), Ellen Saville (all around but probably will focus on the sprint free and breast stroke); and Shelby Sands (sprint free); sophomore Courtney Hager (sprint free); junior Elise McNanney (sprint free); and seniors Haylie Lane (sprint free), Kaci Nelson (a newcomer at diving).
Also on this year’s team are sophomores Anna Daves (sprint free), Jenna Mallard (sprint free, current record holder in the 100 and 200-yard freestyle and also strongest in the back and breast stroke); Sarah Skelton (all free, sprint distance); and Jasmine Vickery (sprint free); juniors Molly Bonfiglio (diver); Kara Charles (sprint free and backstroke); Alexis Desotell (sprint free); Amber Dietrich (sprint free), Rikki Jarvis (sprint free), Kaitlyn Kimmel (all free, sprint distance); Olivia Martin (diver); Xiomara Rodriguez (sprint free); Kristin Simmers (sprint free and fly); Jennie Sunman (sprint free and back); Melissa Walker (sprint free) and Alison Woonton (all-around, probably will focus on sprint free, individual medley and backstroke; current record holder in 200-yard individual medley, 500-yard freestyle, 100-yard backstroke, 100-yard breast stroke and all three relays); and seniors Brittany Dietrich (sprint free); team captain Caroline Kerbelis (sprint free, fly and individual medley); Lanie Money (all free, sprint distance); team captain Brianna Pastewski (sprint free); and Lindsay Sutherland (diver).
Head swim coach Jackie Boswell said that the girls don’t know their potential, which is both a strength and weakness to them.
‘It all depends on what the girls decide to do,? she said. ‘Hopefully, they will realize that they are capable of so much more and they will continue to push themselves at each practice.?
The coach added that because this is only her team’s third year, and with the league adding Kearsley to its ranks, all opponents will present a challenge.