Youth Movement

Inexperience won't be a problem for talent-laden Salem swimming team

  This year's Salem swimming and diving team is so young, you could almost switch its nickname from the Rocks to the Pebbles.

  But the splash this team is destined to make could be more favorably compared to that of a boulder.

  Coach Chuck Olson will be coaching one of the youngest teams he's ever had at Salem, but also one that has tremendous potential thanks in large part to a group of underclassmen that is peppered with highly accomplished performers.

  "We're  young, but a lot of our underclassmen are state-meet swimmers," said Olson, whose team has started 1-1. "We have a number of ninth-graders who are already contributing. If they keep working hard, we should have a very positive season."

  The Rocks will be led by sophomore sensation Lauren Seroka, who Olson said has already earned the right to be mentioned with the school's all-time greats.

  "I can't think of an event that she is not capable of qualifying for the state meet in," said Olson. "She's right up there with our best-ever mostly because of her versatility. We've had a lot of great distance freestylers or great sprinters, or great divers, but not many could swim as many events as well as she can.

  "When I pick the events she swims in each meet, I try to match her up with other swimmers that will give her good competition, but that's not always easy to do."

  Seroka will serve as a captain along with junior Emily Nelson and senior Kelsey Mathhias.

  "Kelsey is a four-year swimmer who knows how she  likes to see things run," said Olson. "Kelsey's experience is her biggest asset.

  "Emily has already qualified in the backstroke, IM and the 200 free, so she's obviously very versatile, too. You know you're going to get at least a couple good swims from Emily every meet."

  A number of freshmen have already made a significant impact on the Rocks' point totals. Among those are Abby Aumiller, who swims just about everything; Jocelyn Lamoureux, who can swim all strokes effectively; Amanda Nilles, whose strength is her versatility; and Maddy Gorman, whose strongest event is the IM.

  In terms of diving, the Rocks will be counting on a pair of sophomores: Rexie Blankenship and Talia Czarnota.

  Another sophomore who will provide the team with depth is Maggie Sneideman, a talented freestyler and backstroker.

  The Rocks' junior class is led by Brenna Shortal (distance freestyle) and Ashley Micek, who excels in the breaststroke and the IM.

Ed Wright can be reached at info@plymouthcantonsports.com or (734) 453-1980.