SEHOME

MARINERS

Coach: Don Helling

Last year: Won the Northwest Conference title with an 11-0 dual-meet record (7-0 NWC). Won the 2A Northwest District team title and a fourth straight 2A State Championships.

Swimmers to watch: Patrick Gregory (sr., breaststroke, sprints), Andy Small (sr., distance, IM), Curran Wilbour (sr., distance, sprints), Isaiah Grambo (so., sprinter, butterfly, IM), Patrick Lisosky (so., breaststroke, IM), Colin Hakeman (fr., distance, freestyle), Calvin Richan (fr., backstroke, freestyle), Rocky Rantz (sr., diving), Will Hutchinson (jr., backstroke, freestyle), Tripper Jakeman (so., butterfly, IM), Isaac Day (sr. breaststroke, IM)

Outlook: Sehome had some pretty big losses to graduation, and super freshman Cole Avery has decided to focus on club swimming as a sophomore. But the Mariners have a strong core that should keep them atop the Northwest Conference and make them a threat to continue their string of district and state titles. Gregory, Small and Wilbour are a solid senior group that all have state experience. "I've seen those guys mature as athletes and human beings over the last few years to this point, and I think they're going to have a great season for us," Helling said in a phone interview. "They're leading the way and working hard." Helling also is expecting big things from Grambo, who finished strong last season and will, "start right at or faster than where he left off last year," Helling said. Sehome also is expecting a number of swimmers who barely made it to district last year to step up and scored big points this year, and freshmen Hakeman and Richan have already been impressive.

2012 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time

Nov. 30 NWC Relays (at Arne Hanna) 3:15 p.m.

Dec. 4 at Lynden* 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 8 NWC Invitational (at Fidalgo) 3 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Sedro-Woolley* 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 Archbishop Murphy 3:15 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Squalicum 3:15 p.m.

Jan. 5 District Diving (at Fidalgo) 3 p.m.

Jan. 15 at Burlington-Edison 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 District Diving (at Fidalgo) 3 p.m.

Jan. 22 Squalicum* 3:15 p.m.

Jan. 24 Anacortes* 3:15 p.m.

Feb. 8 2A NW District (at Fidalgo) 1 p.m.

Feb. 9 2A NW District (at Fidalgo) 9 a.m.

Feb. 17 2A State Meet (at Federal Way) 2 p.m.

Feb. 18 2A State Meet (at Federal Way) 2:30 p.m.

NOTE: Home meets at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center

*NWC dual meet

Reach DAVID RASBACH at david.rasbach@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2271.