With a strong lineup of returning varsity swimmers on this year’s boys swimming varsity team, they will look to push for an MSL East title. A number of juniors including Jacob Hardt, Sam Keeley and Lukas Slifierz will look to play an important role on this year’s team. 

Slifierz, a third year varsity swimmer, is hoping this team can get multiple relay teams to State as well as bring home an MSL East Title this year, something he thinks is well within reach. This will still require a great deal of work, something that Slifierz has been putting in during the offseason.

“This season, I’ve greatly stepped up the offseason work, [as] we have full six day a week practices,” Slifierz said. “Some of us even lift everyday as well as keeping up the intensity in the pool.” 

The hope is that the work put in out of season will translate into a state run for the mustangs. Head Coach Monika Chiapetta feels to achieve these goals they will have to stay focused and disciplined. 

“I believe you have to work to your ability and stay focused on the end goal,” Chiapetta said. “Sometimes the daily grind can get athletes off track [but] if you keep your eyes on the end [goal], the daily pain and work is all worth it.”

Along with the hard work that’s required everyday the team also knows it’s important to have fun and grow as a team. Aside from his personal goals, Keeley would like to just enjoy the season as well. 

“Personal goals coming into this season are to place top eight [and] 50th free at state and just have a blast overall,” Keeley said. 

For Slifierz, swimming is something that’s an intense sport which requires a lot of combined skills to be successful. 

“I like that in swimming it’s about finding ways to improve yourself and your stroke to get better,” Slifierz said. “The skills required for swimming include endurance, strength, power, speed, explosiveness and technique.”