The Parkland boys swimming and diving teams was one of the most well-represented at last year’s District 11 Championships, with 16 athletes that qualified for the postseason event.

Just four of those swimmers and divers graduated from that team, leaving the Trojans with a dozen returning district qualifiers. Along with that Parkland has a large and talented freshman class of 13 athletes and several returnees who are looking to make it to the postseason for the first time.

“Our goal is to continue to improve upon what we did last year,” said second-year Parkland head coach Allison McPeek.

The Trojans went 7-2 in East Penn Conference meets and 9-3 overall last season. They finished third as a team at districts, accumulating 329 points. Emmaus (478 points) won its 15th straight boys district title last year with Nazareth (416) taking second place.

With experience and depth this season, Parkland could be in position to get closer to the Hornets or knock them off this season.

Parkland will be led by three seniors in Dannik Khais, Eric Linchuk and Juan Arias. Seven juniors are back after swimming at districts last year, including Gabe Krizel, who took third place in the individual medley at districts, and classmates Pedro Teran, Michael Toth, Colton Chung, Doug Bell and divers Harry Epstein (3rd in districts last year) and Bradley Kunz. Sophomores Eric Friday, Jacob Grab and Thomas Price are also back after swimming at districts in their first high school season.

The large freshmen class could make an impact this season. McPeek said it’s a talented bunch that will be exciting to watch this year.

Parkland opened the season Tuesday with a meet at Pocono Mountain West. The Trojans will host Emmaus on Dec. 21, which will also be Alumni Weekend for the program as many former PHS swimmers are expected to come out for the annual meet that often decided the EPC regular season champs.