Swimming Preview: Eagles take off with talent, experience and high expectations
The Skyline boys’ swimming and diving team is excited to be back in the pool this year after anxiously awaiting notice that the season was allowed to leave the starting blocks. And the Eagles showed their enthusiasm by recording nine state cuts in a dominating 122-61 win over Bedford in the season opener last week.
At the helm of the team is a veteran coaching staff led by head coach Mo-Jo Murrett and assisted by Paul Griffith, Gabby Han, Stu Isaac, Bob Anderson and Kent Tschannen.
The Eagles are looking to make a splash in Division 2 this season.
“We already have six state qualifiers and look to add four to five more,” says Murrett. “Our team goal is to score all three relays in the Top 8.”
Murrett knows a good team when she sees one – and she certainly sees one in the 2021 Eagles.
“We have a really good team culture, work ethic and an experienced coaching staff,” she says. “We are also strong in mid-distance freestyle, IM and backstroke. We need to improve in distance, diving and sprints. But the good news is we have the tools to make great strides in these areas.”
Murrett says the Eagles all wear masks and are following all the safety protocols but they don’t focus on COVID. “Every day is an opportunity to get stronger and faster,” she says. “You get to decide where you put your energy.”
This year’s captains are seniors John Evangelista and Daniel Koselka and junior Evan McKelvey.
Other top returners for Skyline include Ben Kurniawan, Matthew Lee, Evan McKelvey, Daniel Osterholzer and Ben Deininger.
Top newcomers include Lucas Caswell, Chris Kurniawan and Andrew Xi.
The Eagles will travel to Saline on Thursday to take on the Hornets in an SEC Red dual-meet.
Swimming: Eagles fly out of the blocks with a pool full of state cuts
