Swim Preview 2022-23: The boys are hoping to hit their stride in the pool

City and area teams are back in the pool for the 2022-23 season, with one of the highlights being the annual All-City meet on Jan. 14. Swimming and diving action will extend well into March with the Michigan High School Athletic Association State Finals scheduled for March 10-11.

Here, the Enquirer takes a look at the city and area boys swim teams for the 2022-23 season:

Battle Creek Central

Coach: Sequoia Farrell-Williams (1st season)

2020-21 Record: N/A

Top returners: Greg Garfield (sr.), Ryan Neff (so.), Danny Wells (jr.).

Outlook: As the fourth head coach in six years, Sequoia Farrell-Williams is trying to rebuild a program at BCC that has struggled in recent years. Farrell-Williams takes over the boys program after coaching the girls team in the fall. Even with a co-op with Pennfield and St. Philip, Battle Creek Central is still fighting to get numbers.

BCC does have some experienced leaders to help this team grow, featuring four-year senior captain Greg Garfield and three-year varsity junior Danny Wells.

"We are young and talented, but still building our numbers. We hope to build on our season from last year. This year is about growing and developing as a team," Farrell-Williams said.

Harper Creek

Coach: Devin Hurst (11th season)

2021-22 Record: SCC Champs

Top returners: Justin LaFleur (sr.), Carson Wager (sr.), Dominick Papiez (jr.)

Outlook: Harper Creek had a banner season last year, winning a conference title and finishing 10th overall at the Michigan High School Athletic Association State Meet. The Beavers had a solid senior core on that team, but Harper Creek feels it has enough talent coming back to contend in the league once again. Senior Justin LaFleur earned All-State honors last year in the 200 freestyle, the 500 free and the 400 free relay, while setting a conference record in the 500 free. Senior Carson Wager and junior Dominick Papiez each qualified for the state finals in multiple events as well as all three will be relied on for heavy points in duals throughout the season.

"We are hoping to repeat as conference champions. We still have a lot of talent on the team and the new swimmers are eager and ready to contribute. We are also aiming to set some new individual and team records by the end of the season," Hurst said.

Lakeview

Coach: Andy Fredenburg (2nd season)

2021-22 Record: 9-0, Conference Champs

Top returners: Miguel Gonzalez (sr.), Hunter Boyer (sr.), JT Holton (sr.), Evan Yarger (sr.), Tyler Youngs-Ball (sr.), Danny Borozan (jr.), Eamon Foljahn (jr.), Kalvin Frank (jr.), Cody Richards (jr.), Jack Darland (so.), Christian Hancock (so.)

Outlook: Lakeview showed there shouldn't be that much of a drop-off after finishing second in the prestigious Cereal Bowl Relays to open the season. Leading the way are Danny Borozan and Hunter Boyer, both with state meet experience. Key seniors providing depth include Miguel Gonzalez, JT Holton, Tyler Youngs-Ball and Evan Yarger. Underclassmen to look for include juniors Eamon Foljahn, Kalvin Frank and Cody Richard as well as sophomores Christian Hancock and Jack Darland.

"After losing a large group of talented and experienced seniors, the Spartans are counting on a well-rounded group of underclassmen to lead this team to another successful season. The coaching staff is also excited to watch these underclassmen develop into an impactful group on this year’s team," Fredenburg said.

Marshall

Coach: David Karns (23rd season)

2021-22 Record: 5-2

Top returners: Micah Morehouse (jr.), Jackson Lillrose (jr.), Jordan Hawthorne (jr.), Gabe Bravo (jr.), Carter Pratt (so.), Ivan Egnatuck (so.)

Outlook: Two years removed from an undefeated season and a league title, Marshall has been hit hard by graduation losses as the Redhawks start the season with only nine swimmers. Lacking any senior returners who contributed last year, Marshall is made up of mostly underclassmen, led by junior captains Micah Morehouse, Jackson Lillrose and Jordan Hawthorne. Gabe Bravo also comes back, providing needed experience as do sophomores Carter Pratt and Ivan Egnatuk.

"Marshall has lost quite a few swimmers over the past three seasons to graduation and are in rebuilding mode this season with only nine swimmers on the team, half of which are brand new to swimming. Marshall will be trying to develop these athletes all season long," Karns said.

Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter: @billbroderick.

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Swim Preview 2022-23: The boys hope to hit their stride in the pool