Bradford High swim coach Katrina Placer is ready for an uphill climb this season.
Bradford graduated nine seniors, depleting the teams’ depth. However, the majority of the teams’ state qualifiers remain.
“We will rely on the veterans to bring their strong leadership skills and competitive spirit to the team,” Placer said. “We are still going to adhere to our traditions by emphasizing team work and working together to compete in District 9 and beyond. “We have some injuries that will plague us early on, but we are hopeful our lineup will be full strength come January.
“We have many new swimmers out for the team this season, a lot who are coming in with little swimming experience. However, we are confident they will have a strong impact on the team.”
Eight swimmers will be joining the team from Otto-Eldred.
“We are excited with the numbers they bring to our program,” Placer stated.
“All our new swimmers are working hard and are learning quickly. “Our seniors are a small but dedicated group and they have a lot to offer both in and out of the water.”
The Lady Owls will be led by state qualifier and letterwinner Jessica Buchheit and letterwinners Erin Pecora and Jessica Rettger.
“These three girls are the core of our traditions and excel as leaders,” Placer added.
“They are hard workers and versatile swimmers. Each has given countless hours to our program. Their dedication and work ethic speak for itself. We look forward to them having a successful senior year and leading this young and inexperienced team.”
The juniors will be led by state qualifier and letterwinner Donna Good and letterwinner Samantha Williams.
“We are looking for these girls to contribute in all events,” Placer pointed out.
“They are hard workers and have a lot to offer the team. They can fill spots in our lineup that lack depth. They will be joined by returner Hannah McAvoy and newcomers Lindsay Brandon, Michelle Lazusky, Lyndsey Neigowski and Joslynn Veilleux.
“This group is working hard,” the coach said. “We know they will help strengthen our lineup.”
The sophomore returning letterwinners include state qualifiers Cara Webster and Morgan Whitlow.
“Cara and Morgan are perfect examples of dedicated athletes,” Placer said.
“They train year round and are huge contributors to our team.”
Also returning are letterwinners Ashley Hennard, Rebekah Kriner, Chrissy Pfiel and Lexie Reitler.
“This group will be imperative to providing depth in many events,” Placer emphasized.
“They have stepped up their training and we are seeing results from them in the water. They will be joined by returner Molly Snyder and newcomers Colleen Lewis and Rachel Wolfe. We appreciate their work ethic and what they are accomplishing.”
Rounding out the girls team are freshmen Jasmine Rettger, Cailie Shanks and Ellery Signor.
“They are an experienced hard working group and they will be key contributors to our team,” the coach said.
Similar to the girls the boys’ team lost many letterwinners.
“They do not have depth with such low numbers,” Placer admitted. “However, they are hard-working and the team added six new boys to the squad. Once these boys build their endurance, they will be a huge asset to the team.”
The seniors will be led by returning letterwinners Curtis Rodgers and Cordon Laroche.
“Both of these boys work hard and will be good leaders for the team,” Placer added.
“They are able to swim in several different events, which will help the boys. We are thrilled to have senior Jonah Gunter on the team. He comes in with swimming experience and will be beneficial in several events.”
The juniors will consist of newcomers John Kriner, Greg Smith and Lucas Smith.
“These boys have come a long ways and we are looking for big things from each of them,” Placer said.
“They are putting a lot of effort into each practice.”
The returning sophomore letterwinner is Jared Schwab.
“Jared is hard working and is key to the success of the team,” the coach said. “His work ethic is phenomenal and we are pleased with what he is showing us in practice.
“We are pleased to have Sebastian Munoz join the team. He has a swimming background and will be helpful to the boys.”
Rounding out the team is freshman Ethan Flexman.
“Ethan is making daily progress and we are excited to have him on the team,” Placer noted.
Assisting Placer this season will be Dan Confer, Pam Digel, Bethany Russell and Celia Means.
“As coaches, we will strive to instill TEAM unity with this young group of swimmers,” Placer concluded.
“Understanding the importance of TEAM and all that it entails will be vital to the success of our season. We are one team and we will rebuild the core of our program around what Bradford High swimming stands for: TEAM.”
Bradford opens the season Tuesday hosting Warren.
The schedule follows:
