The acclaimed Columbus High School swim team is back at it again, starting practices every day as early as 5:30 AM and again after school at 4:00 PM to better themselves for the grind of their winter season. 

Along with the well-known coach Dillon, there is a new coach named Joe Krepel. Krepel has experience running the entire Pawnee Plunge water park and is sure to use his management and practice styles to improve the team this year. Along with Dillon and Mr. Krepel, two new coaches named Ms. Mindy Bates and Mr. Ryan Stevens have also joined to put their mark on the young swimmers and cheer them to state.

Coach Dillon stated that just missing state last year "fuels our fire" and further motivates them to be ready for the endeavor this time around. 

One thing that the team is already working on this year is bonding. The smaller number of people on the team encourages closer connections between swimmers. It allows them to push each other toward higher levels of success. 

Coach Dillon also described the team's best skills as camaraderie and being able to be there for each other and push each other past their fabricated limits. 

Some of the most notable swimmers to look out for during a meet include Mary Faltys, Gracie Walters, Julianna Figge, Jonathan Reiff, Kyle Chen, Alex Settje, and Conor Zobel-Stevens. All of these athletes, with the training and encouragement of the coaches, continue to better themselves with each stroke. 

On December 10, Columbus hosted a home meet at the Aquatic Center, bringing Lincoln Northwest and Southwest along with Norfolk and Lincoln Pius. Although Columbus did not win the meet, the team made multiple strides toward improving their skill and teamwork, which will pay off later at state. 

Senior and Captain of the swim team Jonathan Reiff stated that "I'm just very proud of the team considering where we all started just a few weeks ago."

With the improvements and three new coaches, the Columbus High School swim team is sure to make a splash this year at state. To check out more updates about the swim team or to entertain yourself with articles about almost everything, go to Fusfoo.com.