metto Swimming and Diving team a state championship. This year, the swimmers will need a lot more than talent to reach their final goal of back-to-back state championships.

The reason attributed to the swimming team’s domination last year was a class of nine senior swimmers superior to any the team had seen in a while. They have since graduated and are currently competing at several Division I and II colleges such as  the University of Florida, Louisiana State University, Limestone College and the University of Connecticut.

With the departure of these players, the swimming team will have to work even harder, which means continuing to wake up early and practice every day. Athletes such as senior Austin Manganiello, junior Jack Danon and senior Nat Jones will try to replace the void that last year’s seniors left.

“Although a lot of good seniors left, we still have a well-rounded team,” Jones said. “We picked up two home-schooled kids who are fast and dedicated and we still have the returning juniors who can now lead the team as seniors.”

Under the leadership of coach David Booher, the swimming team has the same goal as previous years: win the state championship. Jones believes in Booher as a coach and thinks he will lead the team to glory again.

“Coach Booher is an awesome coach. He is dedicated to the team and has the passion needed to boost the confidence of our team. I’m really looking forward to him stepping up as head coach this year,” Jones said.

Despite losing so many valuable members, the swimming team remains confident that they can win the state championship and maintain the title of the best high school Swimming and Diving team in Florida.

“We really hope to win States again, although that will be a lot harder than last year due to losing our seniors,” Danon said. “However, we have some new swimmers that will really help the team remain from   dropping off.”