Parkland swimming and diving coach Robert Robitaille’s program has a developed a reputation of excellence. Last season provides a recent example, as the girls were a perfect 12-0, while the boys finished 10-2.

Robitaille’s formula for success is based on a simple premise - there is no substitute for hard work.

“We expect that the kids will get to work on improving themselves to their maximum ability so that come the season’s end, we are able to compete with the top athletes that District 11 have,” Robitaille said when asked about this season’s expectations.

The Trojans have the ability to realize that prognosis, boasting quality swimmers up and down the girls and boys lineup.

Sophia Cerimele had an outstanding freshman season who “has a great underwater attack that we look to use tactically this year in all races,” the coach said. Meanwhile, Sada Fleischaker is focused on developing her breaststroke this season. Depending on her progress, it is realistic she could compete for a district title. Natasha Goldman is a breaststroke and mid-freestyle specialist who “has the ability to rise among the District 11 ranks as the season goes on.”

Then there is Kayla Johnson. Not only is she one of the top Parkland swimmers, Robitaille said she “is one of the top overall athletes in the region.” Last season Johnson was superb, and in this her senior season, the sky, or in this case the pool, is the limit. Sydney Platt has developed during the offseason by participating in a multitude of events. As a result, the coach said don’t be surprised come February that “she will be doing some events that will surprise a lot of people.”

Madison Roseman, Hillary Roth and Izzy Sheridan are specialists - sprint, butterfly and distance freestyle, respectively - who should contribute this year. Robitaille describes senior Claire Weaver as “the true definition of a teammate at Parkland.”

In addition, two senior divers - Nicole Stofko and Leah Webb - should compete at the top level of the district.

The boys contingent also looks strong.

Nick Zaffiro is a senior who “is looking to put the final stamp on his career here at Parkland,” said Robitaille.

Another senior, Luke Willard, is “a real grind type of athlete,” the coach said. Another senior is Harrison Kim, a multisport athlete is a specialist that has several areas where he can contribute. Meanwhile, Eric Linchuk and Marcus Moreef are two hard workers who should positively impact the Trojan roster. Matthew Krause is a freshman who Robitaille called “gifted.” Then there is Ethan Radio, “an incredibly gifted diving talent that we hope will compete for a top position in the district.”

Robitaille said “I stress to the kids that if you want to be relevant at the state level you need to look at the top areas in the state. Districts One, Three and Seven are where most of the top state athletes really are. So I stress to our kids that we need to look beyond the EPC and we need to do that year-round.”

If that doesn’t leave make an impression on Robitaille’s swimmers there are no short cuts to success, here’s another.

“You can’t just be a swimmer for three months of the year and expect to be of value at the state level,” he said.