With 36 swimmers and nine divers on her varsity team, Coach Jackie Boswell knows this season is sure to be one for the record books.
Leadership qualities and the hard work that exudes from team captains and returning seniors Tara Nieboer and Breanna May has been a great role model for the 22 newcomers to the team.
‘The girls seem to really like them and look up to them,? Boswell said.
Three second-year varsity swimmers garnered great attention for creating school records last year, five of which are held by sophomore Allison Woonton.
Boswell hopes Woonton’s records for the 200-medley relay, 200-individual relay, 500-freestyle, 100-backstroke and 400-free relay will all be broken this year.
Likewise, she hopes returning junior Caroline Kerbelis and returning senior Jennifer Smillie will break their previous records in the 100-butterfly and 200-freestyle relay, respectively.
‘I have no doubt that they will improve from last year,? the coach said.
Other returning senior swimmers are Lydia McRay, Genna Kovach and Kera Presbie.
Taylor Roop and Anna Bonfiglio are also returning seniors that will focus their season on diving.
Diving coach Patsy Bonfiglio said her goal is to see Roop qualify for state finals and Anna Bonfiglio qualify for state semifinals. Last year, an ankle injury prevented Roop from doing such.
‘The two of them are going to be a force to be reckoned with if they continue to progress the way they are,? Bonfiglio said.
Couple up with returning sophomores Olivia Martin and Molly Bonfiglio, the coach said it will make for a ‘very strong? Wildcat diving team.
‘I’m really looking forward to a good season,? she said. ‘I’m very excited.?
Although Boswell said she does have some top swimmers in mind, it’ll take a while for her to pinpoint who will do best in what event.
‘My goal is to have most of the girls swimming at least one event for points at each meet to get their varsity letter,? she said.
Her other goal is to make the girls better swimmers by becoming more confidant in the water.
‘Later on, they’re going to be a lot more self-sufficient and hard-working,? Boswell said.
The girls will take on Corunna High School at home on Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m.