The end of the year is upon us which means winter sports are right around the corner. The girls and boys swim teams are ready to start their season strong and successful. They look to be just a competitive as last year and have more swimmers at state. Assistant coach Richard Rider looks to have new swimmers have a stronger impact on the team and to have a more personalized approach in coaching. 

“We have swimmers that are national qualifiers, club swimmers, high school only swimmers, and kids that are new to the sport,” Rider said. “As a coach, I need to make sure and focus on every swimmer and their strengths no matter how developed or novice they are.” 

Rider reflects not only on the team but on himself and his new approach on coaching this year. He wants to reach the strengths of each and every swimmer on the teams. He also explains that the coaching staff wants to see the swimmers improve no matter what, whether it’s at a state level or just in practices. Sophomore Colin Davis is on the boys team and says he hopes to see more growth within the team throughout the season. 

“Our goal this year is to bring the state title back to Westside,” Davis said. “Prep has had their time long enough and we want to bring a championship home.”

Davis explains the talent they have this year is stronger and there is more depth than in the past. He hopes to see his team have greater success and to bring a state title home at the end of the season. Davis also touches on the importance of the team staying connected and fighting for each other. Sophomore Alison DeSordi is on the girls team and is hoping for more to see more improvement and more girls at the state meet. 

“This year is different for us because we lost some great swimmers,” DeSordi said. “We also gained a lot of great swimmers too and they all bring something different to the table.”

DeSordi says she is going to work hard and have fun to make this her best season yet. The teams have their next meet this Saturday, December 7 at Burke High Sc