Jonathan Alder’s swim team has a history of doing well in past years, bringing many swimmers to districts and states with some advancing to the collegiate level. The 2023-24 season is about to be underway, and the team is hopeful that the success will continue. 

The student-athletes have been hard at work for about three months of the preseason. Co-Caption and Senior Alexis Ahner explains how they prepare in the time leading up to the season. “In preseason we swim with our club teams,” she says. “It consists of practice 5 days a week and another workout in the gym lifting two times a week. We focus on conditioning and getting better for the season ahead.” 

As the season approaches, the team is setting goals for themselves and for what they want to achieve. These goals vary from individual to team. “One of our big goals this season would be to get as many swimmers to districts or even states as possible,” says Ahner. “Last year we had lots of people go and advance past the regular season.” 

While the goals remain the same, the team is smaller this year than it has been in past seasons. Team size will bring challenges, as it could be more difficult to place and get overall points, but working together is something this team is confident about. “Our team has great camaraderie,” says Junior Ashton Kennedy. “No matter how great or bad anyone does we all still are there for each other and support one another. We all continue to support each other.” 

Promising underclassmen also give the team leaders confidence. “I am very excited to lead the team this year along with Alexis Ahner,” says senior co-captain Allie Piccolantonio. “The new freshmen are looking great and it’s going to be a great season.” 

The first swim meet of the season is scheduled for Tuesday, November 28th at 6:30 pm. It will be held at Champaign County YMCA.