By STU SWARTZ
Goshen High School’s girls swimming program is on target for some positive results during the unfolding 2009-10 campaign.
There’s reason for opitimism, too, with five talented returning letterwinners leading a squad which also includes some talented underclassmen.
Scott Garvin is in his 10th season as head coach of the Lady Redskins.
“Those five returning letterwinners bring a lot of experience and leadership to the pool,” he said. “Then, we have a good young group coming along.”
The returnees are seniors Mia Miller, Bekah Vukovich and Emily Wilfong, junior Jordan Bontrager and sophomore Julie Jesse.
Jesse was second in sectional diving last winter while Miller placed third in the 100-yard freestyle and fifth in the 50 free.
Miller was Northern Lakes Conference champion in the 100 free and second in the 50 free. Jesse was second in diving.
Vukovich was named the Lady Redskins’ most valuable swimmer, Wilfong received the mental attitude award, Miller the teamwork award and Jesse the coaches award.
“Mia Miller’s best events were the 50 and 100 frees last year, but she might try some different events,” said Garvin. “Vukovich is looking good in the butterfly and individual medley and Wilfong in the backstroke.”
Other squad members are junior Kayla Hussey, sophomores Lizbeth Chavarria, Ciara Guilfoos, Maria Muro and Melony Neff, freshmen Mackenzie Bilbrey, Brianna Hollis, Dom Morrison, Rosalia Muro, Madeline Newell, Maria Olivo, Brittany Olson and Meghan Rheinheimer.
“Kayla Hussey could set school records in the 200 and 500,” said Garvin. “Brittany Olson and Mackenzie Bilbrey figure to be contributors.
“Relays continue to be tricky as we look for those third and fourth swimmers in each. We would like to get one relay to the state finals this season, probably either the medley or 400 free.
“Our young swimmers must learn to compete at the high school varsity level. It is much different than age group swimming. It will be interested to see how our eight freshmen fall into place.
“We have some girls who want to compete for NLC and sectional titles this year and make it to the state finals.
“I think we will be a competitive team with a lot of experience in the five returnees and the youngsters adding depth in key spots.”
Former GHS diver Kevin Hite has returned to the coaching staff, along with Kathy (Momotiuk) Haney.
The Lady Redskins host their annual Goshen Girls Relays on Saturday, starting at 10 a.m.
Laura Younghans was the only senior on Goshen’s 2008-09 team.
