Eastlake brings a mix of veterans and youth to the pool hoping to make some noise in 2011.
Senior Ryker Oldenbury and junior Zach Alleva both competed in the 4A state meet last season, with Alleva placing seventh in the 100 breaststroke. Seniors Dylan Jessum and Nick Howard, along with junior Henry O’Neil bring depth to the group of returners.
Edward Kim, a freshman, has already made his mark, earning state qualifying times in the 500 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke. Kim’s time of 46.59 in the 100 freestyle is a new school record and tops the winning time from last year’s 4A state meet.
“He will most likely break many more (if not all) school records before he graduates,” first-year head coach Kate McCary said.
Issaquah returns deep group
The Issaquah swim team returns 36 athletes this season — all with plenty of experience.
The group includes seniors Gentry Gevers, Skyler Kersten and Ben Halter; junior Brian Ruggles and sophomores Austin Melody, Willy Matsuda and Spencer McCulloh.
The Eagles also receive some impact newcomers in freshmen twins Ben and Keith Nussbaum.
Sixth-year head coach Laura Halter likes her team’s chances this season, and sees a top-three finish for her team.
Skyline grows a year older
Skyline brings back a large crop of juniors from last year’s 3-5 team, hoping to shake things up in the KingCo 4A.
The Spartans, who have already equaled last year’s dual meet win total, return juniors Mitch Corson, Alex Marber, Ashton Powell, David Jett and Travis Fox.
Senior captains Austin Crow and Alex Carey along with talented sophomores Tucker Russell and Tyler Hamke provide depth up and down the roster.
High hopes for Eastside Catholic swimmers
Veteran swim coach Rick Wertman is excited about what the Eastside Catholic boys and girls swim teams bring to the pool this season.
The 27-year veteran, who is in his first season at the helm of the Crusaders, gets 26 returning athletes.
Leading the way for the boys is six-time state champion and Stanford University-bound Ethan Hallowell. The All-American is targeting a perfect run of eight individual state championships in short sprints.
The Crusaders boys also return captains Matt Leist and Joe Mahan.
The girls return junior captain Katherine Whiteman, a Sea-King District finalst, and junior Lauren Rehn.
“EC swimming has some great athletes and swimmers eager to achieve,” Wertman said. “There is a legacy of excellence that continues to be written. I am very hopeful that this year’s squad will add to that legacy with personal excellence with all of our members during the championship season.”
