By MIKE KEMMETER
of The Gazette
After three straight second place finishes in the Wisconsin Valley Conference, the Stevens Point Area Senior High boys swimming team is tired of being a bridesmaid.
Despite losing four swimmers from last year's state meet, a strong sophomore class is back with a trio of seniors to help the Panthers try to bring home the conference title.
"I think we have a very good chance of taking conference," SPASH coach Rich Burhite said, adding that Marshfield and Wausau East will probably be his team's main competition.
Burhite is optimistic because he believes his sophomore quartet of Jacob Nantell, Jon Ronzani, Geoff Thill and Ryan Burhite will only get better in their second varsity season.
"We've got a very strong sophomore class," he said. "I had the group of four as freshman. They competed in relays and placed well at all the invitationals that we were at."
Thill competed at state a year ago and finished 19th in the 200-yard individual medley. The other four representatives - Ben Hall, Dave Ronzani, Nick Green and Justin Stoffel - all graduated.
The Panthers will also expect contributions from seniors Corey Prince, Matt Trautschold and Dave Curtis; junior Matt Schroeder; and sophomores David Trautschold and Oliver Todryk.
Coach Burhite saw many new faces on the first day of practice. The team has 10 new swimmers spread through all of the grade levels, some of who haven't swam before.
He will have to get acquainted quickly because after only five days of practice, Burhite will get his first look at his new team Tuesday, Nov. 23, at the Wisconsin Rapids Triangular.
Throughout the season, Burhite said the sophomore quartet should be competing in different strokes. Ronzani and Thill will probably be in the 100-yard fly, while the senior Prince will likely compete in the 100-yard backstroke and the 500-yard freestyle.
"I'm looking forward to the season because we have a strong team and it's a good team to work with, with personalities both in and out of the water," Burhite said.