With two meets into the season, the Manhattan High boys swim team is starting to get a feel for how the season may turn out. Already, they have set a high standard, placing third at the season-opening meet in Topeka and placing fifth at the Lansing Relays. While the season is still in its early stages, several swimmers are posting times that are already nearing their personal bests, and strong swimmers like junior Jack Dunn making a State cut on the first meet. From the sets of butterfly and freestyle sprints to the precision required for the breaststroke and backstroke events, the swimmers are logging countless yards to shave off their times.

Manhattan High has been particularly competitive with strategic lane assignments to maximize speed and efficient transitions. The energy on the pool deck during these races is palpable, with the support from the team to every swimmer diving in.

Along with getting a feel for the season’s competitive landscape, the team has started to get a feel for each other. For many of the swimmers, particularly the underclassmen, this part of the season is a critical time for integrating into the team.

“It’s a sense of fraternity, you know, getting to know your fellow swimmers, bonding with them in the water,” junior Ezra Kohl said. “We’re brothers, bonding with each other in the process of swimming every day in the water.”

The coaches have emphasized technique and mental toughness in the opening weeks. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the focus has been on refining strokes and building endurance. The hope is that this solid base will allow the team to peak at the right time — during the rigorous mid-season stretch and, most importantly, for the Regional and State competitions.

For the swimmers, the need for teamwork is creating a bond they hope will make them stronger. 

“We spend so much time together, not just competing, but pushing each other when we’re tired and celebrating the small victories in practice,” sophomore Wallace King said. “That trust we build here definitely translates into a better swim during the actual meets, especially in the relays.”