Boys’ swimming is preparing for its upcoming season with high hopes. Junior captain Henry Salita said it’s important to bond with new players and bring everyone together.

“Really getting to know the new kids on the team and helping the team become a tighter, closer, more fun and safe environment is important going into the new season,” Salita said. ”I’d love to have some relays go to state this year. But also just have some of the younger kids be more involved in the team and team events than they were last year.”

Senior captain Miles Rost outlined his hopes for the season, as well the team’s strategy for the near future.

“I’m hoping to improve from last year by going to state and getting a sub-23 on the 50 Freestyle before sections,” Rost said. “But right now we’re just practicing, swimming a lot. The first week, we’re just working on getting our rhythm back.”

Due to Salita’s recent ACL injury, he can’t swim for the foreseeable future, but he said he instead funnels his energy into raising spirits and motivating the team.

“I can’t really be in the pool competing because of my injury, but I would love to think that gives me a chance to really focus on my team spirit outside of the pool,” Salita said.

Coach Amanda Forsberg said she is excited to see how the team will perform this season, especially with the addition of new swimmers. 

“We have a lot of swimmers where this is their second year, so I’m excited for them to take that next step and for a lot of the underclassmen to step up this year,” she said.

Salita said he’s looking forward to seeing what the team is capable of this year. 

“I’m most excited to see what our team can do this year,” Salita said. “What direction our team is heading in. So I’m excited to see where we can go.”

Forsberg said she has some goals she hopes the team can achieve this season.

“We’ve been conference champs the last four or five years, so I’d like to keep that running,” Forsberg said. “It will be a little harder this year, but it’s definitely something we can still do.”

Boys’ swimming will compete in their first meet at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at Park.