New season and head coach for swim and dive

At AHS, athletes’ grades are supposed to be top-notch to be permitted to participate in sports.  It has not been uncommon that student athletes have had to sit out part of their season due to their poor grades. 


“People definetly didn’t have 100 percent attendance,” said junior Annika Jessen. “We didn’t have specific practices for dry land excerises.” Not only has the team been easygoing on grades, but also when it comes to practice attendance.  Students have been able to skip out on practice without consequences, unlike almost all other AHS sports.


Being on the AHS swim team allows you to decide just how seriously you want to take yourself through the season.  Some swimmers, such as junior Michael Lazar, chose to dedicate themselves to this sport, by not only swimming for AHS, but also outside of school for USA teams, such as Machine. 


“I’m excited for the most part, I just hope people take it more seriously with the new coach and that we are more successful,” said Lazar. 


Swimmers such as Lazar are hopeful that with a new coach will come more dedication from the swimmers.  “I hope practices are a little bit more interesting and that the dry-land gives me some rockin’ abs,” said Lazar.


The variety of different types of swimmers and diverse views on work ethic are what make the AHS swim team a unique and enjoyable environment for all.  This coming season, however, things will begin to change.  With the retirement of former coach, Bruce Fisher, rules are subject to alter this winter with the new head coach.


Neil Jarvis, the candidate chosen to be the replacement for Fisher this season is looking forward to reforming the team to be the best it can be.  “I want to put my own stamp on the team, but I want to keep what Bruce had intact.” 


Jarvis plans on having the team participate in dry-land activities every week.  “More conditioning and running to practice two times a week,” said Jarvis.  “I really want to win the district title this year.”


Junior Ellie Holcombe is pleased with the choice for the new coach.  “I am really excited for him to be our new coach because he is really energetic and funny, and even though practices are going to be hard, we should learn a lot and improve as a team.” 


This season’s outlook is good, with optimistic swimmers who are looking forward to being a powerhouse team this season.  “I think that our team will improve a lot this year.  Hopefully our new coach will teach us new techniques and skills to better our team and have an awesome season,” said Holcombe.


The team has plenty of time to prepare before the first meet, which is held on Dec. 5, against big-time rival West Springfield.  This meet will be the first test in seeing how the team is progressing from previous years.