LYNDEN

LIONS

Coach: Steve Gibb

Last year: Was fourth in the Northwest Conference with a 5-3 dual-meet record (4-3 NWC). Placed fifth at the 2A Northwest District meet.

Swimmers to watch: Jan Wolfisberg (sr., breaststroke), Jeffrey Propersi (sr., backstroke, distance) Bryton Snavely (sr., sprint, breaststroke, butterfly), Robby Knapp (so. butterfly, freestyle), Giovanni Galarza (sr., distance, sprint, freestyle), Grant Williams (sr., distance, butterfly), John VanWingerden (sr., freestyle, breaststroke, IM)

Outlook: Lynden has one of its biggest teams ever with 32 kids out this season. The larger group is led by a strong senior class that has a number of district qualifiers from last year. "We have a lot of middle-level talent, so we will do just fine," Gibb said in a phone interview. "It makes for some good relays. We won't have any weak parts, and we should be very solid in dual meets." Galarza is the only Lion who advanced to state last year as part of a relay, but Gibb said Wolfisberg and Propersi are the team's best shots to swim state-qualifying times during the season. "Jan is leading that group right now," Gibb said. "They all take turns, but he has been pretty impressive. ... I think Bryton and Robby have done quite a bit of work during the offseason - as has Grant." Gibb said there is a good mix of older and younger swimmers on the team this year, and the team is very close and has plenty of spirit.

2012 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time

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

Dec. 4 Sehome* 3:30 p.m.

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

Dec. 11 at Bellingham* 3:15 p.m.

Jan. 3 Squalicum* 3:30 p.m.

Jan. 8 Burlington-Edison* 3:30 p.m.

Jan. 10 at Sedro-Woolley* 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 15 at Anacortes* 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 22 Archbishop Murphy 3:30 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 Lynden YMCA

*NWC dual meet

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