Blake/Breck Swimmers Shoot for Top Again
By Dave Pedersen
Sun Newspapers
(Created: Wednesday, January 10, 2007 10:27 PM CST)
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Despite graduating some state champions and proven leaders, the Breck/Blake boys swimming and diving team looks to challenge for the top again.
Last year, the team accumulated a 6-1 dual meet record, won the Section 2A title and took second out of 42 teams at state while setting three new team records.
The biggest loss to graduation was Colin McCarthy, a three-time state breaststroke champion. He is now swimming at Yale.
"Losing Colin McCarthy, Will Jenkins and Duncan Salyer to graduation, plus Jack Buchanan to an injury, hurts," said coach Dan Rosenberg. "However, the team gained many young athletes. So far the squad has demonstrated tremendous improvement."
With 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 10 at state, the coach said.
Piirainen returns as the squad's top performer in the IM and breaststroke events as a captain. Returning in the IM and breaststroke is Charlie Goullaud.
The Markusen brothers, Max and Jack, will be leaders in the sprint events. Talented newcomers are Thomas Winslow and Sam Pritzker.
Joe Ali, who posted the fastest time in the 50-yard freestyle last year, is recovering from a broken leg. 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. Adding depth to the middle distance events are newcomers George Humphrey and Will Erickson.
The only diver on the team is Alex Bakken. Also new to the team are Lars Berg, Keenan Lidral-Porter and Tim Youtz.
"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 more preparation, the squad could surprise the competition."
The next action is home to Park Center at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16.
Reprinted with permission Sun Newspapers
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