The boys swim team looks to redeem the disappointing end to their last season, which concluded with a one point loss in the Central Buckeye League championship.
As the season starts to pick up, the team hopes to extend further into the postseason, improve on individual times and build team camaraderie.
Junior captain Emmett Dodge said with the addition of strong incoming freshmen, he believes the team will achieve their goal of advancing further in postseason meets.
Coach Mitch Fries said the team’s newfound sense of drive will help push them ahead of their competition.
“There’s a renewed energy and a renewed focus,” he explained.
Coach Sandy Sliwowski said she is optimistic about the season and explained mistakes, such as the false start that led to the team’s loss in last year’s CBL championship, were good teaching moments to better prepare them this season.
“It’s nice that they have that experience,” she said. “Something that we can’t teach or coach them is how overwhelming those championship environments can be.”
Sophomore Liam Starkey said despite the loss of important seniors, the team will still improve from where they left off last year.
“We have replaced them and hopefully added more depth to our relays and individual events,” he said.
Starkey added league teams like Columbus Academy will be tough rivals to face.
“A lot of the other teams have also gotten better this year, so it’s going to be hard to compete with them at leagues, sectionals and districts,” he explained.
Dodge said outside of the pool, the team tries to create good chemistry through team meals and bonding activities. Being together as a team helps them compete better and reach their goal of advancing to later rounds of competition, he added.
“It’s a very friendly environment and very welcoming to newcomers, but it’s also a friendly environment for competitive swimmers, which we have a lot of.” Dodge said.
Published and digitized December 2025.
