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Clearfield swimming and diving need to fill void
Friday, December 11, 2009
By Josh Mlot Sports Writer
HYDE - As a team that has had a good amount of success in recent years, the Clearfield swimming and diving team hasn't really had to include "transition" in its vocabulary.
But after losing some of the most celebrated swimmers in program history, the Bison swimmers will be looking at filling some big shoes in 2009-10.
"Replacing ... I don't even know if that's an appropriate word," Clearfield head coach Jackie Morrison said.
"For the past five years we've entered the season with a returning state medallist. This year ... we'll enter the season without a top-16 prospect. It's definitely a new dynamic for the kids returning, because they've only experienced having those guys there. I think the reality will set in when the first event takes off."
Even with some important faces gone, some experience does return, and those individuals had a chance to learn from the departed veterans. Regardless, the team's goals remain the same every year - a winning dual-meet record and a District 9 League title.
"That is always the same goal, year in and year out," Morrison said. "On top of that, there's always going to be a specific team dynamic and goal for that year's team. What we've really been stressing is we want to do all we can right now to improve each and every practice.
"Our mantra is to be ‘Fast in February and faster in March.' We're going to use those (early) dual meets to set up for the end. We're going to try to get the kids from where they're at and get them to the next level by the end of the season. That would be a rather successful season."
Morrison is very excited about the prospects for the girls' side, which has often been overshadowed by its male counterpart. Despite losing state meet participants in Marisa Howell and Branda Smeltzer, the void has been filled by something just as important - competition for spots.
Fierce battles for relay spots and No. 1 slotting for events has led to an environment where girls are improving quickly and working hard.
"Our girls have been more competitive and aggressive in workouts than I have seen in years," Morrison said. "I think it's because it's wide open. I like that."
The charge is led by veterans Brandie Centi, Laura Lumadue, Kaylee Bowser and Ashley Durandetta. Both Centi and Durandetta got experience at states last year as a part of a relay team, while Centi also qualified individually in the 100 free.
"Brandie has a lot of experience and coming from the other sports, she has a lot to offer," Morrison said.
Behind those seniors and juniors are two sophomores, Juliana Mellgard and Clairisse Peterson, who had promising flashes as freshmen and will look to make bigger impacts this year. Mellgard, in particular, has impressed during preseason training.
"I've really noticed dramatic improvement is Juliana Mellgard," Morrison said. "That's the wow factor right now. ... She has been swimming very, very strong in practice."
Morrison hopes all of the progression she's seen from the girls will translate into success in the pool when it matters most.
"I do think our girls are creeping up and will make some noise this year," she said. "I really like their attitude. I think they've got their game faces on and they're ready to go."
The boys were hit even harder by losses, as Mark Krchnak and Shay Flanagan are gone after combining for multiple state medals and team and district records.
The hole left behind is large, but Morrison hopes the examples set in recent years will set the table for the current Bisons.
"There's going to be a lot of work involved and a need to really step up the game," she said.
"I know Hoss (Krchnak) and Shay demonstrated what it takes to get to a certain level. (These guys) are going to have to want it and work toward it."
There is some returning experience, though, with senior Kraig Peterson and juniors Jordan Mumma and Connor Shirey all soaking in PIAA experiences a year ago in relays. Peterson also swam individually in the backstroke. But being a part of success and leading it are two separate things.
"I think it's going to take that first meet or two where it's going to come down to that anchor swimmer, and it ain't going to be Shay and it ain't going to be Hoss," Morrison said. "Somebody's going to have to step up or fall flat."
Fellow returning letterwinners Caleb Baas, Andrew Smith and Alex Fisher will be asked to carry some of the load as well.
"They do work hard," Morrison said. "Those boys are working their butt off in practice. It's just going to take some meet experience.
"It's going to be a new experience ... being the leader and the go-to person is a new role. They need to get comfortable with it."
Peterson will, no doubt, be looked to as a team leader, a role that Krchnak and Flanagan most certainly flourished in last year.
"I do think Kraig provides a lot of good leadership," Morrison said. "I do think he'll do his very best to provide that."
Mumma, too, seems poised to step to the forefront and pick up where he left off after a promising freshman campaign two years ago. An out-of-season injury erased most of his sophomore effort a season ago, preventing him from swimming until the postseason.
"If he can get a full season under his belt ... he should really improve this year," Morrison said. "I expect some big time drops."
The Bison divers lost some critical experience as well, but still return some important individuals.
The boys return four letterwinners in Nathan Brzezinski, Elliot Lauder, Garrett Lauder and Jason Maines, while the ladies will look toward sophomore Sarah Lowder to grow after getting a year of experience under her belt.
Clearfield splashes into the season tonight, hosting Central at 6 p.m. at Robert L. Shearer Natatorium. Roster
Boys
Seniors
*Nathan Brzezinski, Troy Graham, *Jason Maines, Scott McKenrick, *Kraig Peterson, Nick Walker.
Juniors
*Caleb Baas, Jesse Bumbarger, *Elliot Lauder, Jordan McAllister, *Jordan Mumma, *Connor Shirey, *Andrew Smith.
Sophomores
Ian Bookhamer, *Alex Fisher, *Garrett Lauder, Jacob Rollin, Jeff Stiles, John Suhoney, Travis Swoope.
Freshmen
Josh Aycock, Ryan O'Connor, Alex Pesansky, Dylan Swisher.
Girls
Seniors
*Brandie Centi, Joy Carreras, *Laura Lumadue.
Juniors
*Kaylee Bowser, Alyssa Casher, Candise Day, *Ashley Durandetta, Tori Hallstrom, Heather Krouse, Kira Ritter.
Sophomores
Kristen Henderlong, *Sarah Lowder, Tori McAllister, *Juliana Mellgard, Amanda Peoples, *Clairisse Peterson, Rebecca Ward, Rashel Wynick.
Freshmen
Misty Knapik, Jessica Shomo, Courtney Smith, Devon Sponsler, Morgen Turner.
*Denotes returning letterwinner.
Schedule
December
11-Central; 18-Tyrone; 19-at Kinney Natatorium Open, Bucknell University, 11 a.m.
January
4-vs. Bellefonte at PSU McCoy Natatorium, 4 p.m.; 9-Arctic Swim Classic Invitational, 11 a.m.; 12-Indian Valley and Lewistown; 18-at DuBois; 21-Brookville; 25-at St. Marys; 29-vs. Bradford at University of Pitt-Bradford, 4 p.m.
February
8-DuBois; 11-at Brookville; 15-St. Marys; 19-Bradford; 25-District 9 Diving League Meet at DuBois, 6 p.m.; 26-District 9 Swimming League Meet at DuBois, 5 p.m.
March
5-6-at District 6-9 Regional Championships, PSU McCoy Natatorium, TBA. 18-20-PIAA Championships, Bucknell Unversity, TBA.
All meets start at 6 p.m. unless noted.
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