Local teams dive into 2011

MAT-SU — In recent seasons, Matt Hanley’s Wasilla Warriors have boasted individual champions and contended for region titles.

This year will be a bit different, but that doesn’t mean the Warriors aren’t up for the challenge.

“We’re very green, a small team,” Hanley said. “We have a bunch of brand new kids, first-year swimmers.”

Even though Wasilla sports a smaller team than usual, only about 19 athletes, and the Warriors lack the experience they’ve had in recent seasons, Hanley said the team is enjoying the different approach.

“It’s fun,” Hanley said. “A different challenge.”

Hanley said the Warriors have a number of upperclassmen, but many are new to the sport.

“This year we’re getting some older first-year swimmers. It’s kind of encouraging,” Hanley said. “The word is getting out, the swim program is something people want to be a part of.”

The Warriors do return a few swimmers with significant experience. Senior Brittany Shattuck, a four-year swimmer, returns. Shattuck finished fifth in the 200 individual medley during the region meet last year.

“In the past she’s done some distance stuff, some IM, but she’s looking to branch out a little bit,” Hanley said.

Junior Mike Foy also returns to lead the boys’ team.

Hanley said junior Savannah Burke is also establishing herself as a vocal leader on the team.

While Wasilla has on older group of inexperienced swimmers, Palmer and Colony both boast experience in their sophomore classes.

Sophomores Noelle Graham, Katie Stark and Willow Schlenker, all veterans of the Northern Lights Swimming Club, will help lead the Palmer girls into the 2011 season.

Graham finished third in the 100 butterfly during the 2010 region meet and Stark was sixth in the 100 freestyle last year at regions.

Graham won a pair of events during the first meet of the season, the Colony Invitational in August. Graham was first in the 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly. Stark won the 500 freestyle at the Colony Invite.

Senior Spencer Bloom, who finished third in the 100 backstroke at regions last year, leads the Palmer boys team. The Moose also have senior Evan McHenry, junior diver Joe Provo and sophomore Josh Hanson.

“We’ve got some good, strong swimmers on the boys’ side,” Palmer coach Shanna Omer said.

Bloom won the 50 freestyle and the 100 backstroke at the Colony Invite.

Colony also has a strong group of sophomores. Knights head coach Dawn Brettrager said sophomores Alex Kessler, Tristan Udomporn and Tristan Denny will all be factors on the boys’ team this year, along with junior Zane Mileur.

Last year, Kessler was fourth in the 100 breaststroke at the region meet. Mileur was third in the 200 freestyle and sixth in the 100 freestyle. Brettrager said each of those swimmers have really come along strong.

A strong trio of seniors — Saige Stefanski, Kayla Anderson and Eva Colberg — lead the Colony girls.

Sophomore Eliza Zugg has also stood out.

The Knights swam to a strong start of the season, winning the combined team title at the Colony Invitational. The Knights were also second in the boys and girls standings.

Kessler won the 200 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke for the

Knights.

Wasilla, Palmer and Colony are competing at the Homer Invitational in Homer today and Saturday.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.