In this sink-or-swim kind of sport, these Wolves are doing much more than treading water.
Sequim’s boys swim squad has the numbers (26 on the winter roster) to compete with any 2A or 3A team in the Olympic League.
After posting a 5-4 mark – the team’s best since 2003-2004 – the Wolves return nearly all the top swimmers from last season’s campaign.
Leading the way are experienced swimmers such as captain Parker Steichen, Noe Calderon and Thomas Moores.
Steichen, a senior, helped Sequim’s 200 medley relay team qualify for the class 2A state meet last season. Moores, a junior, posted the Wolves’ top times in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly events.
And then there’s Calderon, who, as a freshman, posted Sequim’s top times in six individual events: the 100, 200 and 500 free, 200 individual medley, 100 backstroke and 100 breaststroke.
Other solid contributors in Sequim’s fast lane include Triston Cortani, Tanner Estep and Michael Okamoto, as well as a trio of other veterans – Duncan Skinner, Jared Lindorfer and Chris Merrikin.
The Wolves did lose seniors Alex Skinner, Steven Moore and exchange student Max Flock to graduation but picked up 12 new swimmers and divers.
Sequim’s diving crew sees Ezra Perkins, fifth at the class 2A state meet, return to the squad. Four more newbies join their ranks, giving Sequim nine divers overall.
As for top teams in the league, Sequim coach Linda Moats said she expects
Sequim to be right up at the top with Port Angeles, North Kitsap and Olympic.
Reach Michael Dashiell at miked@sequimgazette.com.
Preview: Sequim High boys swimming/diving
Head coach: Linda Moats (10th year)
Assistant coaches: Susan Craig (diving)
2008-2009 record: 5-4; one relay, two divers to state 2A meet
Returnees: Noe Calderon, Triston Cortani, Tanner Estep, Jared Lindorfer, Chris Merrikin, Thomas Moores, Michael Okamoto, *Ezra Perkins, *Kris Petersen, *Ian Robinson, Duncan Skinner, *Zach Springer, *Stephan Stilts, **Parker Steichen
Newcomers: Matthew Cays, *Connor Christianson, *Austin Clement, Dylan Diggs, Doug Dunbar, *Cameron Harrison, Randy Hogoboom, *Forest Martin, Kiano Stoppani, Kyle Trepanier, David Vollenweider, Keil Wood
* – diver ** – team captain
