2006-2007 Boys' Swimming and Diving Preview
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The 2006-2007 combined swimming and diving team of Blake/Breck looks forward to another exciting season. Last year, the team accumulated a 6-1 dual meet record and matched its most successful appearance at the class A state swimming and diving meet. The section 2A champions took second place out of 42 teams while setting three new team records.
After losing many of the top performers, one could say that the 2006-2007 team is in a rebuilding year. "Losing Colin McCarthy (Yale), Will Jenkins (Center College), Duncan Salyer (Davidson), and Jack Buchanan (injury) hurts, but the team gained many young athletes," Rosenberg said. "So far the squad has demonstrated tremendous improvement. With the improvement and the maturating of juniors John Piirainen and Max Markusen, the team could still be in the hunt for a third straight section championship and place in the top ten at state."
Co-captain John Piirainen returns as the squads top performer in the IM and breaststroke events. Also preparing for the IM is Charlie Goullaud. He had a notable season last year in the breaststroke event. Joining Piirainen and Goullaud are new comers Thomas Winslow and Sam Pritzker. Together, these young men could combine to be a keen force during the large meets.
The Markusen brothers, Max and Jack, will head-up the sprint events this year. Both demonstrated tremendous improvement last season with Jack earning most improved honors. Joining the Markusens, is Joe Ali who posted the fastest time in the 50 freestyle. Currently, he recovering from a broken leg, but is determined to help the team. Newcomer Phalen O'Neill and Peter Olson will add depth to the sprinting events.
Paul Koullick and Austin Gromatzky return to highlight the middle distance events. Both are in their second year with the program. Adding depth to the middle distance events are new comers George Humphrey and Will Erickson.
Leading the diving event is Alex Bakken who is currently the only diver on the team.
"Alex is a very determined individual who shows promise in this event," said coach Pearson. The team is definitely looking to this event help score points at the section meet.
Also new to the team are Lars Berg, Keenan Lidral-Porter, and Tim Youtz. So far, they have been working intensely to increase stroke proficiency and fitness levels. They should be a force in the future.
"Despite the large shoes to satisfy, this year could really be something," Rosenberg said. "We don't know where the team will end up, but with better preparation, the squad could surprise the competition."
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