The McClain High School boys and girls swim team, also known as the Tiger Sharks, will open their regular seaon on November 27 when the teams host Bloom-Carroll at home.
On the boys side the Tiger Sharks are coached by 20 year head coach Bradley George while the Lady Tiger Sharks are coached by Katie Dettwiller.
The boys team has three seniors on the squad this season.
George started to worry a few years ago that his extended presence with the team was beginning to hurt the program.
” I think my presence here has helped a lot. There were times during the last few years that I thought I was hurting the program because our numbers were down. But, we were in a turnover stage and my presence had nothing to do with it. I think all in all a lot of the numbers coming up through the junior high program has helped change my mind about that,” said George.
George is looking towards the three seniors on the boys team to have a good year, “My three seniors, Avery Voss, Johnny Free and Noah Scott are also my captains this year. They will be the three swimmers that will carry the team and you will see them through sectionals and into the districts.”
The Lady Tiger Sharks will be led by a group of four year seniors in Emily Paker, Lauren Fabin, Cheyenne Watson and Kimberly Mongold.
“Emily is going to take the lead in the freestyle sprints and middle distance events. She was close to a school record in the 50 yard freestyle last year. Lauren swims the ever dreaded Individual Medley and Butterfly, while Cheyenne and Kimberly will be swimming the backstroke and freestyle for us throughout the season,” said Dettwiller.
Detwiller is concerned that the team may face a steep learning curve this season, “We have a bit of a learning curve with some of the swimmers who have never swam competitively before, but they are all picking the sport up really well.”
The Lady Tiger Sharks coach believes that the newcomers to the team will ultimately decide how well the team does this season.
“How the season unfolds will greatly depend on these swimmers. Not only for their talent, but also their attitude and willingness to work,” Dettwiller said.
Reach Ryan Applegate at 937-402-2572, or on Twitter @RCApplegate89.
