EAHS boys swimming preview

Head Coach: Chris Roberts, first year.

2006-2007 Record: 5-6 overall.

Key Returners: Peter Davis, senior, co-captain; Zach McElheny, senior, co-captain; Jeff Norton, senior; Jake Sherk, senior; Chad Barninger, junior; Sam Hockley, junior; Brendan Demmy, sophomore; Matt Ramsey, sophomore.
The Bears don’t have a very large amount of returning, but the ones they do have are all very good.
The group will be led by seniors Davis and McElheny, probably the two strongest swimmers on the team.
Keep an eye on Barninger and Hockley, who could make the leap this year and have big seasons.
Demmy and Ramsey are just sophomores but competed well at the varsity level as freshmen last year. They return a year stronger and wiser.
Norton and Sherk will add to the Bears’ leadership and should also have solid seasons.

Key Newcomers: Shaun Faulstick, Conor Maghan, Giordano Pugliese, Alex Weber.
Because the Bears don’t have a very large number of swimmers on the roster, it’s very likely that these newcomers will need to be able to contribute at the varsity level immediately.
Unfortunately, they are going to have to learn how to score points at this level as they go, but they are all good swimmers and should get acclimated quickly.

Key Losses: David Gates, Mike Labagh, Ryan Johns, Scott Ramsey, Josh Gunnett.
Last year’s seniors brought a lot to the table for the Bears and it will be up to the four seniors on this year’s team to pick up where they left off. All five, especially Labagh, Ramsey and Gates were extremely strong swimmers and will be missed it the pool.

What they do well: Leadership.
Roberts said that the seniors have been great through the coaching change, which can do lots for team chemistry.
If the team is positive and ready to move forward, the results will be evident in their times.

What they need to work on:
Getting over the hump.
Last season, E-town started in the right direction, in terms of becoming competitive in the Lancaster-Lebanon League. It’s time for the seniors to step up and take the team to the next level.

Outlook:
E-town doesn’t have the biggest roster in the Lancaster-Lebanon League, but there is enough talent on there to be competitive again this season.
If some of the younger swimmers can adjust quickly, E-town could find itself above .500 at the end of the year. Davis and McElheny will lead the team, but watch for Ramsey, Hockley and Barninger to also have very big years for the Bears.