Head coach Amanda Forsberg said the captains were chosen because of the way they treat their teammates and how much effort they put in to swimming.

“Luke and Max were actually really good leaders last year,” Forsberg said. “They always stepped up to them (younger kids) and worked really hard in the pool.”

According to senior captain Max Bechtold, his goals for the season include taking home more wins against harder opponents.

“I want to help lead the team to another great season. We usually have a really good record but hopefully we could get a few more victories that we don’t normally get like Chaska or Chanhassen,” Bechtold said.

Senior and co-captain Luke Anderson said he hopes to continue similarly to last season, like having JV and varsity more bonded than other sports typically do.

“I want to keep up the same team dynamic as last year and I want to send a few relays to State and win conference,” Anderson said. “We have a closer connection between the JV and varsity teams and I want to keep that up.”

Bechtold said the energy of the team is already up and it should stay up. He also hopes to ensure that the team is united and well bonded.

“Luke and I are really good at (keeping the spirit high) already” Bechtold said. “I want to see the team spirit stay up and make sure we are all in this together.”

Forsberg said there have been good captains in previous years, and if they use that to their advantage when mixed with the leadership training they could improve the team.

“Last years captains did a really great job. If they take their lead and go in their own direction when that is combined that with the leadership training they could really bring the team together,”  Forsberg said.

Anderson said he would like to keep the team bonded despite losing some seniors and make sure that the new members are well-connected to the team.

“We lost a few seniors so I want to be able to replace them and get to know everyone better,” Anderson said.

Bechtold said he hopes to see more people join swimming and encourages anyone to do so because of the positive environment the team provides.

“I hope we can get more members so that next year when I’m gone the captains can keep the team going,” Bechtold said. “There’s no harm in joining, its a great team and community.”

According to Forsberg, her goal is to have the same or more athletes go to State in addition to having everyone improve their times from last year.

“Everyone who made it (to State) last year. I’m looking for them to maintain their place and with the younger kids to improve their time.” Forsberg said “I’m not looking for anyone to place in sections or conference. It’s really just about beating their time.”

The first boys’ swimming meet will take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Pioneer Ridge Middle School.