Pioneers Prepare To Take The Water

At the end of the 2010-2011 swim season, the Lynnfield Pioneers walked away as the league Champions after a meet against North Andover that came down to the final relay. Throughout the season the Pioneers swam strong, demonstrating their skill and dedication. This year, while the team lost some great swimmers from last season, many swimmers will return to water to demonstrate the team's strength.

Non League Meet will Open Season

Led again by Coach Jeff Boyd, the team will face their first opponent, Austin Prep, in a non league meet on December 13. Boyd and Austin Prep's coach were both captains together at Reading High School years back. "I really don't know what Austin Prep has," Boyd said of the upcoming competition, "but it should be a competitive meet."

The meet will also be a good opportunity for the Pioneers to test their own strength. The Pioneers will work this season to keep their title as League Champions. "Our goal has always been to keep getting better," Boyd said, "the only way to get better after gaining a league championship is to keep it."

Strong Swimmers Return to the Water

Some of this year's key contributors include the team's captain, senior Kerry Morrissey, who is a three year varsity letter winner. Morrissey is a strong freestyle swimmer for the team and has consistently been a strong leader. Boyd will be looking toward her to come out strong this season. For the past few years Morrissey has had an ongoing struggle with her shoulder, but seems to be at 100% strength this season.

Another key competitor for the Pioneers this year will be senior Thure Wester, who is among the strongest swimmers on the team. His strength is short distance freestyle, but he is also strong in the butterfly. Boyd said that Wester's goal for this season is to finish high in states.

Both Morrissey and Wester were key performers last year and will undoubtedly play a vital role this season.

Pioneers Look forward to Challenging and Successful Season

Some of the key meets of the season will be against Hamilton-Wenham, North Andover and Masconomet. "I know what they have coming," Boyd said of Hamilton-Wenham, "and I think they will be the team to beat this season."

Boyd is counting on the Pioneers to be strong in the freestyle this season. Additionally, the relay teams will continue to be solid. "One thing I can say is we are going to be in shape," Boyd said, "and that will be clear in the first meet." The team has only had one week of practice, but they have been pushing themselves hard.

Additionally, diving should be a bigger component of the team in comparison to last year. Daniele Menard, Boyd's assistant coach and the diving coach has been preparing the divers well. Adding strength to the diving side of the team is a new freshman who comes to the Pioneers with previous diving experience.

Over the next few weeks the Pioneers will be coming together as a team, creating a new identity without some of last year's strong swimmers. Moving forward, the team is looking to show once again that they are worthy of the Cape Ann League Championship title.