Freshman don’t normally make a very big impact on varsity athletic teams. Once in a while, one will stand out and help a team win a key game or meet. Last year the freshman class for the Mercer Island boys swim team helped it win a state title.
“There is no doubt that they were a big part of last season,” said senior co-captain Jay Voit. “This year’s freshman class is enthusiastic and we want people who want to be here.”
Islanders Murray Longbotham and Beau Riebe made the biggest impact last season. Riebe lived up to the hype that surrounded his pre-high school diving career by finishing second in state. Longbotham finished third in the 200-yard freestyle, fourth in the 500-yard freestyle and joined three seniors in taking second in the 400-yard freestyle relay.
“Murray has had a good spring and summer,” said Mercer Island boys swimming head coach Jeff Lowell. “He has dropped times and he is ready to continue where he left off.
Beau and (diver) Mike (Camp) always bring a lot of excitement to the meets. I am really excited to see what Beau can do this year, he only had one diver ahead of him last season.”
But the youth of the now sophomore class has to be guided and Lowell likes his senior class in and out of the pool.
“The younger guys respect them for the work they have put in and they will follow their lead,” said Lowell.
Joining Voit as a team captain are Jeff Benca and Grant Saporta.
“Being a captain means you don’t come to the pool for yourself every day,” said Voit.
The Islanders have a large turnout this season. While depth was a huge part of last year’s run, it could be an even more powerful weapon this season. The freshman class brings strong talent to the team. Charlie Horton, a senior who is best known for his water polo skills, will also try and help the Islanders to repeat.
“A lot of people want to be a part of something successful,” said Saporta. “We learned last year that you have to enjoy practice but be willing to work hard.”
Mercer Island has lost some talent from the senior class of 2006 with seven key athletes moving on. But Lowell is confident that the team has a chance to repeat with some hard work.
“We look at those slots and find people to fill them,” said Lowell.
One swimmer who has improved greatly and will fill a hole or two is Alex Hoff. The sophomore placed at state last year in the 100-yard backstroke.
“He did some great off season training and he is looking really good,” said Lowell.
The impact of the now sophomore class will extend further this season, and hopefully more into state. Along with Riebe, Longbotham and Hoff, there are Islanders Kyle Schaeffer, who placed at state last year in the 200 and 500-yard freestyle events, Chris Picardo and, Tyler Benster and Alex Tao.
“The title gives us something to defend and work for and we know that a lot of people are watching us,” said Voit.
Other teams will not just be watching Mercer Island but gunning for them every meet. One of those teams is Bellevue, which finished second at state last year and second to the Islanders for the league title, as well. The Islanders’ schedule is chock full of challenges. While it will not see Bellevue until Jan. 11, Mercer Island will face Metro power O’Dea on Dec. 20 and travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for a national invitational meet.
“We have a little bit of everything,” said Lowell. “We are really balanced. We haven’t had a talk about defending the title. They just want to see how good they can be.”
Head coach: Jeff Lowell (Ninth year, also girls head coach and Dean of Athletics)
Assistant coaches: Daniel Seetin and Penny Yantis (dive).
Last year’s record and accomplishments: 6-0 regular season, won the 3A KingCo Dual meet champion, 3A KingCo Championship meet, Sea-King District II Championship, WIAA 3A State Championship.
Top returning athletes: Jay Voit (Sr. — captain); Jeff Benca (Sr. — captain); Grant Saporta (Sr. — captain); Murray Longbotham (So. — free); Alex Hoff (So. — IM, back); Chris Picardo (So. — IM); Beau Riebe (So. — Dive); Tyler Benster (So. — distance); Kyle Schaeffer (So. — distance); Kirk Harbaugh (Jr. — fly, back); Alex Tao (So. — back); Mike Camp (Sr. — Dive).
Key newcomers to the team: Charlie Horton (Sr.); Ian Fisk (Fr.); Eric Stadius (Fr.); Inar Zhang (So.); Duncan Howard (Fr.); Will Voit (Fr.).
Key swimmers not on the team from last year: Tad Homchick (sprints: free, butterfly); Ian Kaminski (sprint, free); George Stanton (back, free); Jordan Olson (back, free); Ryan Young (butterfly); Colin George (free); Thomas Stowell.
Key meets: Snohomish, O’Dea, Bellevue and New Mexico meet.
First meet of the year: 3:30 p.m., Thursday vs. Skyline
