For the Daily Reporter
GREENFIELD — For the Hancock County boys swimming programs, everything points toward the sectional meet finals on Feb. 16. All four programs will converge on New Palestine High School for the sectional meet with different histories that give a hint towards their different goals.
Greenfield-Central
The Greenfield-Central Cougars are coming off their seventh straight sectional championship and second consecutive top 10 finish at the State Finals. However, a challenge facing the Cougars this season is the loss of 12 seniors, including three state finals participants.
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But this is where the program building of coach Mark Logan comes into play.
“This year is definitely going to look a lot different than the last two,” Logan said. “But we talk a lot about the legacy we have here. The guys that moved on have really left a great impression.”
Leading the way back for the Cougars are junior Sam Jennings (200, 500 freestyle) and sophomores Travis Black (50, 100 freestyle) and Sammy Logan (butterfly, backstroke).
Varsity newcomers Anthony Negel (IM) and Jackson Pecin (butterfly) looking to build depth.
“With these guys, and all of our varsity swimmers really, we are focused on the State meet,” Logan said. “We have the talent to be able to do that, and by focusing on those state cut times, the meet wins will come.”
Mt. Vernon
The Marauders have finished as sectional runner-ups in back-to-back seasons. But participating in a sectional that has been dominated by one team has its advantages, according to Marauders coach Brad Grieshop.
“It really takes the pressure off, honestly,” Grieshop said. “It allows us to focus on our training and do what’s best for Mt. Vernon and getting every kid to where they need to be.”
Leading the way back for the Marauders is sophomore Aiden Tierney, who finished as runner-up in both the IM and 100 breaststroke last season.
“Aiden is 100 percent capable and ready to qualify for the State Finals this season,” Grieshop stated.
Also looking to contribute for the Marauders are seniors Calen Morgan (200 freestyle, butterfly), Joe Shephard (IM and butterfly), and Eli Thomas (500 freestyle, backstroke) and junior Cole Worley (500 freestyle, butterfly).
“These guys have all been swimming on our club team year round,” Grieshop said. “They’ve swam in several meets throughout the year and will be in peak shape when they need to be.”
For Grieshop, focusing training on each individual’s strength and weaknesses will help the team on the scoreboard.
“If we get the individuals to do their absolute best, then the results will follow.”
New Palestine
For Dragons coach Steve Maxwell, this year will be about education.
“A lot of our depth graduated out,’ Maxwell said. “I don’t like to use the word ‘rebuilding;’ instead, we just need to focus on educating a lot of young kids.”
The Dragons will be lead by seniors Tyler Corey (50 and 100 freestyle) and Marlon Cabrera (IM) and junior diver Colin Stacey. Stacey is looking to return from a year lost to injury.
“He qualified for the State Finals in diving as a freshman,” Maxwell said. “So not only do we expect him to come back even stronger, but I think he is a legitimate contender for a Top 10 finish at state.”
Maxwell is expecting positive showings from freshmen newcomers Kyle Ellis (breaststroke) and Ben Miesse (200 freestyle) in their first varsity season. For the Dragons however, they’re hoping young performers can point towards a brighter future.
“This team certainly has a promising future,” Maxwell said. “This will just be one of those years where everyone pulls their weight as best they can and hopefully we end up surprising some people.”
Eastern Hancock
The Royals program is growing. This season, the team will consist of 13 swimmers, following years of eight, five and five, respectively. Nine freshmen swimmers join the squad this season, but that doesn’t mean they are just learning to swim.
“Seven of those nine kids are part of our club team,” Royals coach Derek McCormick said. “They are the ones that have really bought in to the program we’re building here.”
Leading the returners for the Royals are junior Garrett Henderson (freestyle) and sophomores Ethan Bolding (freestyle, backstroke) and Gage Deiser (freestyle).
“We focus our guys mostly on the distance races because that’s where it’s the easiest to score points at sectionals, which is our main goal as a program. We really think we can have three swimmers in the top eight in the 500 this season,” said McCormick.
Just like the girls program, the boys will be participating in two invitationals (one of which they are hosting and are defending champions of) to expose them to stiffer competition before the big one at the end of the year.
“We put our guys in the events we think they have the best chance of scoring in, even if it’s not their best personal event,” McCormick said. “Scoring points for the team is our main goal and always should be in our situation.”
