The Manhattan High girls swim and dive team has plenty to look forward to in their first weeks of the season. Their first meets come right after spring break and they’ve spent their first weeks of practice coming together as a team.

“We lost a lot of big swimmers, seniors and people choosing to do club [swimming],” senior Katie Bussmann said. “So this is a rebuilding year where everyone is realizing that they have to step up to the plate and this year is more about self-improving and improving the team all together than it is accomplishing awards.”

As a senior, Bussmann sees excitement and challenges from leading the team this season.

“I’m excited for being with my teammates and helping them improve technique-wise and having the right attitudes at some meets and not being tired and not wanting to do events,” Bussmann said. “[During] spring break, a lot of people leave. So we’re just getting back in shape and then everyone is gone for a week. So it’ll be really interesting to see because the first meet is usually the toughest.”

The returning swimmers come back with a ninth-place finish at State last season with several first-place victories throughout the season that went into their postseason. The returners now carry on their coaches’ advice to the large group of new swimmers appearing this year.

“[The coaches have said] to not give up,” senior Alyssa Frey said. “To all the newbies, stay in for at least two weeks because it is a hard sport and you do work every single part of your body. It’s difficult, but to stick with it and not give up right away because it is a lot of fun once you get into the season.”

Each practice is spent in preparation for the first meets on March 25 at Emporia and the first home meet of the season March 27. Between newer and older swimmers, getting to come together as one team right from the start holds promise for the swimmers.

“It’s really exciting because everyone has a big passion for swimming,” senior Emily Cox said. “So it’s nice to see everyone coming together.”