Swimming ‘aims for victory’ with new and larger team

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December 1, 2009 • Marta Kotz
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Kicking off the year with a trip to Devil’s Lake and a paint ball trip, the boys swim team named their theme, ‘aiming for victory’.
Another new aspect of their team, however, is the over all size and amount of underclassmen.
“The more swimmers the better,” Sophomore David Doellstedt said.
A majority of the team includes new swimmers, ranging from the Freshman level, all the way to upperclassmen Junior and Seniors.
“This year, over half our team is new people,” Doellstedt said.
For this reason, a change was seen in the workouts. With a larger team, it gives the guys a chance to be that much more competitive.
“The first day we swam 5,000 yards, and last year we only swam 2,000 on the first day. Our plan is to beat McFarland,” Sophomore Tyler York said.
These changes include a numerous amount of things, including increased yardage in practice, and also more kicking sets.
“We gave new kick sets everyday; it’s insane. But, hey will help the team go faster,” Doellstedt said.
Even with the increased workload, the guys are looking forward to a successful season.
“I think the season is going to be better than last year because we are working twice as hard, and the harder practices will make us stronger and faster,” York said.
With more swimmers in the line-up, it gives the team more of chance to earn a higher score.
It also gives the coach more of an opportunity to place swimmers in certain events in which they excel at, or even changing up the line up, without fear of losing many team points.
In dual meets, points are scored through places 1-5.
This places an advantage into the bigger team’s hands, because of the ratio to the number of swimmers; compared to other teams, having a chance to score individually.
“All the new swimmers will have a positive effect on our team because it will help the team score more points,” York said.
With 3 returning state competitors, including Junior Captain Evan Hill and Sophomore Wyatt Paul, the boys plan to remain competitive up and down their line up.
The swimmers have their first meet scheduled for December 8th,, with an away meet at Stoughton, starting at 6 pm.
They also have set the date for the annual Connor Bourke Relays, for Saturday, January 9th.
“I am looking forward to the Connor Bourke Relays because it’s fun, Connor is a great kid, and I like swimming,” Junior Captain Evan Hill said.
Others are looking forward to this relay because of the good it is doing for Connor’s progressing illness.
“It’s a fun experience, and it’s good to help Connor out,” Senior Luke Veenhuis said.
The Blackhawks will also be hosting another Invite on Saturday, December 12th.
They travel to the Waunakee Invite, Plymouth Small School Invite, and wrapping up with the Badger Conference meet on February 6th.