Key storylines for the prep boys swim and dive season:
Talent-laden Kamiak appears poised for more state success. The Knights return nearly all of their state scoring from last season, when they claimed the second-place team trophy at the Class 4A state meet. Kamiak is led by junior Maxwell Fang and sophomore twins Vlad and Slava Gilszmer, who combined for five individual state medals last season between the three of them. Vlad is coming off a second-place state finish in the 500-yard freestyle and a seventh-place medal in the 200 freestyle, while Fang took third in the 200 freestyle and seventh in the 100 butterfly. The Knights also bring back the bulk of their relay teams, all three of which earned state medals last winter. Wesco South powerhouse Kamiak has captured seven top-three state team trophies in the past 11 seasons.
Who will claim the 3A district crown? Shorewood continued its lengthy streak of 3A Northwest District titles last February, finishing 13.5 points ahead of second-place Edmonds-Woodway in the district championship meet. The Wesco South rivals had another close encounter earlier this month, with the Thunderbirds prevailing for a four-point dual-meet win. So if recent history is any indication, this season’s 3A district championships also could be tightly contested. Shorewood junior Cole Nouwens was a state finalist in two individual events last season, and both teams return key swimmers from their state relay squads. Shorecrest also could factor into team title contention, led by the return of state finalists Spencer Thurman and Aric Prieve, who placed seventh in the 200 individual medley.
Under their new coach, Glacier Peak and Snohomish look to keep making strides. After Hal Moe Pool in Snohomish shut down in 2007, the powerhouse Panthers program and brand-new Glacier Peak program were left without homes, and they suffered as a result. But in the wake of Snohomish Aquatic Center opening a few years ago, both teams have been on the rise. The two programs went a combined 19-7 in dual meets last season, and both are off to 5-0 starts this season under first-year coach Ron Belleza. Belleza, who won the 3A 500 freestyle state title in 1993 with Chief Sealth, replaces longtime Snohomish and Glacier Peak coach Rob Serviss.
- Related
Out of the shadows: Jackson swimmer ready for the spotlightDec 27, 2018
Can young Lake Stevens continue its Wesco North reign? The four-time defending Wesco North champion Vikings lost considerable talent from last year’s team, which placed 11th in the 4A state meet. But with an influx of about 20 freshmen, youth-laden Lake Stevens has considerable depth. “We have the biggest team we’ve ever had since I’ve been a coach,” Vikings coach Brady Dykgraaf said. “We graduated a ton of really established seniors, and so it’s been kind of fun to watch some of the younger swimmers step up and do some pretty awesome stuff.” One of the team’s top returners is senior Gideon Marlatt, who placed 13th at state in the 200 freestyle last season.
The local diving scene once again looks strong. Snohomish County has featured some of the state’s top divers in recent years, and that trend could very well continue this season. Cascade senior Joseph Hofman, who began diving just two years ago, is coming off a second-place finish in the 4A state meet. Shorewood junior Isaac Poole was the runner-up in last season’s 3A state meet. Other returning state finalists from last season are Monroe junior Benson Boone (11th in 4A), Marysville Pilchuck senior Leif Anderson (12th in 3A), Lake Stevens junior Tyler Cochran (15th in 4A) and Snohomish junior Shane Morrill (16th in 3A). One newcomer to watch is Jaden Cardona, a Lake Stevens freshman with state potential.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
