The Freedom Patriot swim team is ready to make a splash this week in their season opener against Northampton with strong returners and speedy underclassmen, according to second-year head coach Alexa Kutch.

“On the boys side, we have AJ Black making his senior debut where he will look to make a strong presence in the district in the 100 breaststroke and 100 freestyle,” Kutch said. “Although we don’t have Ryan Rummel anymore, we have a lot of swimmers stepping up to the sprint freestyler spot, including returning seniors Gio Camaione and Drew Harvey as well as junior Micah Lawser.”

Rummel graduated this past June.

“We also have some new swimmers stepping up to the spots including sophomore Adam Badawy, and freshman Matt Gould,” said Kutch. “On the girls side, we have a lot of returning swimmers including juniors Alivia Deemer, Ella Lowe, and Alexa Ragab. We also have some new faces that will make a great addition to the team, including sprinters Laney Stewart, Lily Campbell, Kaylee Buglino, and Chloe Levin. A fun bonus is that we will have athletes that will be competing in both diving and swimming events in a meet.”

Currently, the Patriot swim team is almost 40 strong.

“What’s great about this year is we get a chance to race the same teams we did last year. I want to see my kids get up and race some of the best teams in the Lehigh Valley,” Kutch said. “I think we found the most success in the pool when we competed against the teams that had the reputation of being the best, because then my swimmers were able to build their confidence in the water. I think my swimmers will use that mindset to their advantage and really show up at those bigger meets.”

With every dual meet comes the opportunity to qualify for the district meet.

“I have already presented this to my swimmers as an encouraging challenge that will make them better athletes in the long run. I am happy that we do have qualifying times this year and hope it will motivate my swimmers to compete to the best of their ability at every meet,” said Kutch. “I am excited to see them try new events and find success in races they want to improve. I am also looking forward to the bond I hope my swimmers form with one another. Nothing makes me happier as a coach than seeing my athletes having fun with the sport and their teammates. In my experience with coaching, happy swimmers are successful swimmers.”

Kutch will be assisted by Erin Wetmore for swimming and Mark Parry for diving.