SEHOME
MARINERS
Coach: Don Helling (26th season)
Last year: Won the conference title with a 7-0 record in NWC duals and was 7-0 overall. Won the 2A Northwest District championship and had 18 swimmers or relays advance to state. Won a third-straight 2A state title and had 15 swimmers or relays place at the state meet.
Key swimmers: Patrick Gregory (jr.), Andrew Small (jr.), Curran Wilbour (jr.), Casey Klipsch (sr.), Allen Cui (sr.), Zac Adams (sr.), Ezra Bergeron (jr.), Cole Avery (fr.), Will Hutchinson (so.)
Outlook: Winning a fourth straight Class 2A state title could be difficult this year after the graduation of two straight talented senior classes, but it's definitely not out of the realm of possibility. The Mariners return six swimmers - Gregory, Small, Klipsch, Cui, Wilbour and Hutchinson - that were part of the squad they took to state last year, and Helling is excited about a talented group of youngsters, led by Avery, ready to step in this year. "I'm really pleased with the versatility and the strength and determination of this group," Helling said. "They're not cocky as returning state champs, and they know we have got a huge target on our back and that a lot of teams are working hard to go after us. And that just drives them to work harder." Klipsch, Cui and Adams should provide some much needed leadership for the team and well as help Sehome's strength in the freestyle sprints. "You can never have too much strength at that area, especially with all the relays," Helling said. "There are going to be a lot of talented teams in the state this year." Bergeron also should be a threat to go to state in diving.
2011 SCHEDULE
Dec. 13 at Marysville-Pilchuk 2:45 p.m.
Dec. 13 vs. Marysville-Getchell 2:45 p.m.
Dec. 14 Mount Vernon* 3:15 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Lynden* 3:30 p.m.
Jan. 5 at Burlington-Edison* 2:30 p.m.
Jan. 5 at Sedro-Woolley* 2:30 p.m.
Jan. 7 at Northwest District Diving 3 p.m.
Jan. 17 Anacortes* 3:15 p.m.
Jan. 19 at Bellingham* 3:15 p.m.
Jan. 21 at Northwest District Diving 3 p.m.
Jan. 26 Squalicum* 3:15 p.m.
NOTE: Home meets at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center
