The Middletown High School boys swimming and diving team, coached by MHS teacher Casey Rogers, is one to watch this year. With several athletes returning from last year and many newcomers, the team is more than 50 percent larger than last year.

Due to all the newcomers, in practices, Rogers is focusing on stroke techniques and perfecting them, rather than worrying about speed.

This year, there are several swimmers that the crowd should keep an eye out for. Two of them are the captains, MHS seniors Colin Buxbaum and Steven Pearson. Others promising athletes inculde MHS junior, James Pressly, MHS sophomore Garret Gage and freshman Zach Lilley.

Buxbaum is known for his grace with each stroke. Pearson was injured at the beginning of last season, but finished the season strong, competing as part of the State Championship relay team last year. Pressly is consistently strong in several events and also competed as part of the State Championship relay team, as well. Gage proved himself to be a strong distance swimmer last year, but now he is going to test the waters with sprinting and individual medleys this season. Lilley, who is coming off of a football injury, still looks promising for the season ahead.

Meets to watch this year are those against Urbana High School and Governor Thomas Johnson High School. Both teams have many year-round swimmers which lead to exciting races. Last year, the meets against Frederick High School and Tuscarora High School were also very competitive. In those meets, “every little point is precious in determining the winning team,” said Rogers.

The team’s first meet is on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. The meet is against TJ, a great opponent, so it is “sure to be a close meet,” said Pearson.