Members of the Elk Lake boys’ and girls’ swimming teams took to the pool for the first time on Monday under 11-year head coach Ed Murach. STAFF PHOTO/ JOHN LUND
BY JOHN LUND
Times Shamrock Writer
The Elk Lake swimming and diving team, under the direction of head coach Ed Murach and Marion Austin, are looking to improve upon last year’s 3-6 record for both the boys’ and girls’ teams in the Northern Division of the Wyoming Valley Conference.
Murach is in his 11th year of coaching and is optimistic about the season, though this year’s roster may be on the low side in terms of numbers.
“Numbers wise we’re down a little bit right now,” Murach said. “Our age group program should help to bring in some numbers starting next year.”
The Warriors will look to their seniors to set the tone early in the season. Alex Manzek and Codie Malloy barely missed the cut for a medal at districts last season, while Sunny Griffiths and Olivia Everitt are returning for the girls.
“I’m hoping that they set the tone for us and keep the younger kids in the right mindset,” Murach said. “It’s always nice when you don’t have to tell the younger kids what to do, they just see it and fall into place.”
Murach added that he’ll teach technique work in the first few practices to make sure no bad habits form before the workload increases. After Thanksgiving break, the team will begin longer practicing sessions and adding more yardage and fitness to the regimen.
Though his numbers may be down, Murach said that the unit he currently has work well together and that should lead to success.
“Our strength is team chemistry,” Murach said. “The character of the people that are here make for a nice group of kids that get along and all work hard. They’re respectful and high character kids and I’ll take that any day over a superstar with an attitude.”
Murach also hopes to instill in the kids one or two lessons that they can take with them outside of the pool as the year goes on.
“I hope they learn the rewards of a good work ethic,” Murach said. “If you put the time and effort in and are dedicated to it, there’s payoff at the end.”
Full schedule:
Dec. 10, Berwick, A, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 12, Athens, H, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 13, Meyers, A, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 17, Hanover, A, 4 p.m.
Dec. 19, Lake-Lehman, H, 4 p.m.
Jan. 2, Valley View, H, 4 p.m.
Jan. 7, Delaware Valley, A, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 9, Abington Heights, H, 4 p.m.
Jan. 14, Scranton Prep, H, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 16, Scranton, A, 7 p.m.
Jan. 21, Tunkhannock, H, 4 p.m.
Jan. 24, Athens, a, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 28, West Scranton, A, 4 p.m.
Jan. 30, Sayre, A, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 31, Towanda, H, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 4, Holy Cross, H, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 8-9, Lackawanna County Diving/Swimming, Scranton High School, 5 p.m./10 a.m.
Feb. 11, Wallenpaupack, H, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 22, Districts (diving), Wilkes-Barre CYC, TBA.
March 1, Districts (swimming), Wilkes-Barre CYC, TBA.
March 12-15, States, Bucknell University, TBA.
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