The OPRF swim team hopes to build on individual success from last year and score some team points this year at the state championships. While their aspirations may be slightly more modest than cross-village rival Fenwick, the Huskies boast a rather large team this year, and head coach Peter Quinn hopes to get the team in good condition overall in order to have a chance at state this season.
“We will qualify guys for state this year, but I’d like to see the team qualify this year, especially with this group of guys,” stated Quinn.”
The Huskies had a decent showing at state last year, sending several swimmers, including two relay teams. Jack Anderson swam the 50-yard freestyle in :22.93, Loren Peterson swam the 100-yard freestyle in :48.45, and Paul Lohmann swam the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:01.68. The Huskies’ 200-yard freestyle relay team swam their heat in a time of 1:30.13, and the 400-yard freestyle relay team swam it in 3:18.28.
Leading the Huskies this season are returning swimmers, Loren Peterson, Paul Lohmann, Joe Anderson, Taylor Rasley, and Scott Dunleavy, guys who helped OPRF to a 3-3 record last season for a third place finish in conference, and second in sectionals.
While Quinn and the team haven’t set any specific team goals yet this season, Quinn’s main focus is to get the guys in shape. “Swimming is a sport where the more you swim, the better you’ll be. It’s important for us as a team to be in good shape,” said Quinn.
Several of the OPRF swimmers trained through the spring and into the summer in preparation for the season. “We had a couple guys that really trained diligently this off-season, so we’ll see where we’re at. We’ll have a better idea after this weekend,” added Quinn.
The Huskies begin their season with a meet on Friday at Deerfield, 6 p.m.
