By Steven Witkin ’16

After a successful scrimmage against Magruder, the swim and dive team had an impressive win over Damascus, with the boys winning 109-62 and the girls 126-44. The first loss of the season for both teams came on December 13 against Bethesda-Chevy Chase, with the boys and girls defeated 110-59 and 114-56, respectively.

The loss can best be explained by the absence of several top swimmers. As many as ten girls and three boys could not be at the meet because they were at regional championship meets for their club teams, and top diver, sophomore Cody Carlson, is out with a fractured back until January.

When the entire team is available to swim, the Warriors are able to get an early lead on relays and often sweep several events. Although some key athletes graduated last year, including breastroker Amy Hockman and diver Summer White, a new wave of talented freshmen is earning important points for both teams.

Aside from the strong freshman class, the boys team gained senior Grant Fricke, who in his first year on the swim team is already showing potential in freestyle and butterfly. With all the new talent, both teams have a better chance than in previous years to do well at regionals, states, Metro Champs, and perhaps move up to Division 1 next year.

Coach Brendan Lees is confident in the team’s ability to succeed this season. “The boys team has some big meets coming up to see where they fall in the Division 2 standings.  The girls team is working to defend their Division 2 title and regional title and looks poised for a stronger season than last year.”

Both the boys and girls teams are currently 1-1, but that will change after their meet on December 20 against Quince Orchard at Germantown Indoor Swim Center.

Watch the girls 400 free relay from the Quince Orchard meet here: