BY JOHN LUND
Times-Shamrock Writer
Elk Lake swim coach Marion Austin talks to members of the girls’ team. PHOTO BY JOHN LUND
The Elk Lake boys and girls swimming teams both field smaller squads, but each contain a slew of swimmers poised to have positive impacts in the pool this season.
Head coach Marion Austin, along with daughter Courtney and diving coach Jim Phillips, all share a similar optimism for the success that each team has the potential of achieving in the Lackawanna League this year.
“We’re working harder a lot earlier this year,” Austin said. “I think our medal count will go up in the district meet this year and we’re hoping to be in contention in the league as the season wears on.”
Elk Lake also fields swimmers from Montrose because of lower numbers from each school, similarly to what the Montrose football team does in fielding student-athletes from Elk Lake.
Though rosters are on the lighter side, Austin noted that both squads have several experienced swimmers who have made the first weeks of practice run a little bit smoother.
“Our seniors have done a great job of taking charge,” Austin said. “They really get the whole group together and get them focused on a good workout right from the beginning of practice, so that’s a good help for me. I feel like I can just give them a workout and they’re ready to go. They’re really starting to understand things better, which allows us to focus on more individual things and really gel as a team.”
Both teams have hit the pool with confidence and began working on shorter sprints before extending workouts to include longer distances closer to the holidays.
“Everyone is having fun doing it,” Austin said. “I feel that swimming is sometimes a sport that doesn’t get a lot of recognition, but they’re willing to work hard and show that we’re going to be a team that can be competitive. Everyone does a great job of being student athletes and being able to balance academics with their time in the pool.”
A full roster is below, with Montrose swimmers designated with ‘MA.’
The boys team features seniors Chase Orlandini and Jimmy Kerchner; juniors Michael Pettit (MA), Cole Orlandini, Zachary Mead (MA) and Austin Dolaway (MA); sophomores Nathan Grosvenor and Justin Grosvenor; and freshmen Kale Decker, Chris Mazler, Colin Spellman (MA) and Cody Iverson (MA).
The girls team consists of seniors Audra Everitt (MA), Rebecca Sisson and Kaylie Grosvenor; juniors Louise Thompson (MA), Miranda Decker, Cami Perry (MA) and Kira Karpov (MA); sophomore Lydia Ofalt; and freshmen Maddie Gustin and Kayleen Kraynak.
Schedule
Dec. 7, Abington Heights, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 10, at Athens, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 14, Holy Cross, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 17, Dunmore, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 21, at Sayre, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 22, Pittston Area, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 4, at Scranton, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 8, Athens, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 14, West Scranton, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 21, Scranton Prep, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 25, Wallenpaupack, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 28, at Towanda, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 1, Delaware Valley, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 8, at Valley View, 4:30 p.m.
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