A WAVE OF MOMENTUM

Area teams hoping to go a few strokes further in 2018

The North Penn boys swimming and diving team rose to a third-place finish in the state last season and several of those performers went on to help the water polo squad capture a state title this past fall.

Expectations are high for 2018.

Said coach Jeff Faikish: “We are looking forward to seeing what our potential is this season. The team will be led by a handful of swimmers that have had experience at the state, regional and national levels. The depth of the team will allow this group to find success in the pool.”

While North Penn aims to defend its Suburban One League Continental Conference crown, the top spot in the Philadelphia Catholic League could once again be seized by La Salle.

“We will compete our way through the Catholic League and also compete in a tough non-conference schedule against Christian Brothers Academy, Malvern, Upper Dublin, and at the Wilson Relays,” coach Stephen Duncheskie said. “This young but talented team will have to learn quickly how to battle and race its way back into PIAA contention.”

Lansdale Catholic is coming on strong in the PCL.

“The key returners, along with the depth of new swimmers,” coach Bob Birnbrauer said, “will allow the boys to look forward to a strong dual-meet season and are looking for a successful postseason with stronger relay events and representation in the diving event with (Kiernan) O’Donnell.”

Upper Dublin, always one to be counted one when the postseason arrives, aims to continue its dominance in the Suburban

BOB RAINES — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Souderton’s Storm Krader is one of the top returning swimmers in the area.

BOB RAINES — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA North Penn’s Aidan Daly is one of the top returning swimmers in the area.