After losing quite a few seniors last year, Oxford girls varsity Swim & Dive Coach Jackie Rank is looking forward to girls stepping up to fill in those holes.
Out of 28 girls, 21 returned this year, Rank noted. She is looking to senior captains Kayla Krebs and Emily Sovis and junior captain Danielle Kemp to lead the way.
‘Kayla specializes in freestyle and butterfly, Emily specializes in freestyle and breaststroke, and Danielle specializes in distance freestyle,? she said.
‘We are also welcoming back junior diver Jenna Zeiter, junior all-around swimmer Bella Giannola, sophomore all-around swimmer Rachel Commons, sophomore sprinter Victoria McClenaghan, sophomore mid-distance swimmer Emily Vican, and many more that will be bringing depth to this team.?
Out of the seven new swimmers to the team, Rank said she’s excited about incoming freshmen diver Keira Veltigian.
‘We also have some amazing new swimming talent in Claire Alexander,? she added. ‘We have quite a bit of potential in the remaining four newcomers.?
The strength of the team, Rank said is the strength that comes in ‘willingness to improve and a great team spirit.?
As far as the league goes, Rank noted that there are a few teams in the OAA Blue that she is worried about.
‘Stoney Creek is our biggest concern because they moved from the White Division to the Blue Division with us so they’re obviously a big contender, but I wouldn’t discount Farmington or Avondale either,? Rank said. ‘I want to focus on our growth as a team and use coaching strategies to put our best team forward when the time comes to (play) those teams.?
The Wildcats are currently 2-0 on the season and hope to finish the season strong.
‘We would like to finish in the top two of the league,? Rank said. ‘Then send divers to the regional competition and then on to the state meet, and swimmers to the state meet.?
The girls will hit the pool on Sept. 17 at home against Farmington. The meet will begin at 6 p.m. in the Oxford High School Natatorium.