Swimming spring-boards into new season

OLNEY SWIM CENTER—

The boys' swim and dive team began its season with a dominating performance, defeating Wootton High School, 118-49.

Led by senior co-captain Byron Drumheller and junior Ian Mackinnon, the boys were able to dominate nine of their 11 events. The boys struggled in the distance freestyle event against Wootton, and coach David Swaney explained that the boys are "most vulnerable" in this area.

However, Swaney stressed that the boys will continue to work on distance training and expressed promise that the team will be able to bring the distance freestyle event to a more competitive level later in the season. Swaney spoke confidently about the boys' team; he anticipates that it will be a serious contender for the Division II championship this winter.

The girls' team had a significantly less-successful showing with a disappointing loss to the Wootton girls' team, 112-59. The girls struggled to overcome their lack of depth, a weakness that could continue to be a problem throughout the season. "Some girls rose to the occasion, but the team as a whole didn't do as well as I hoped," Swaney said.

He did speak optimistically about incoming swimmers, expressing hope that these girls will be able to close the gap between some of the more competitive swimmers and begin taking second and third places at meets.

The diving events also showed promise for the season. Blair's two female divers, seniors Rebecca duRivage and Juliana Stevenson, took first and second place, respectively. The only male diver, junior co-captain Pete Johnson, also performed well, clenching first place.

The Blazers' next meet will take place at the Montgomery Aquatic Center on Jan 5.