Manhattan High boys swim and dive will kick off their season on Nov. 15. With the 2020 season having its fair share of curveballs, the team is looking forward to more consistency.

“We’re looking forward to some consistency with our routines every day,” said head Coach Alex Brown, “[like] having a set time we will get to practice and a place in town”. 

During the 2020 season the team practiced in Wamego because the K-State Natatorium closed and because Wamego had the closest available indoor pool. This year they will be able to utilize the Genesis Health Clubs pool. The team is excited about being closer to home and not having to commute an extra hour every day.

The team will be welcoming many new members aboard.

“Right now I have 13 freshmen signed up,” Brown said. “We only have three or four seniors.” 

Going into this season Brown is hoping to win as many meets as possible and win League at the end of the season. 

Junior Mitchell Bunger is excited for more team bonding this season. 

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know the new team,” Bunger said. “I’m excited to have pasta parties again and to bond with the team more.”

Along with having fun as a team Bunger is excited for the races themselves. 

“I am also excited to compete again [and] to race with returning and new guys,” Bunger said. “I want to break my record in the 500 [free] and break the record in the 200 [free]. I think those are very attainable for me.”

Both personally and as a team there is a lot of hope going into this season. 

“My number one thing I want to see every day is effort and a team-first attitude, and just the willingness to do what you need to help our team be as best as possible,” Brown said. “If we have all of those things, I think we can be successful.”