Milton has seen success over the past few years, first under coach Veronica Gee before Lilly Wirt took the team over last winter. And that success has been a number of Milton swimmers qualifying for the district tournament.

Last year was no different as the Black Panthers saw six reach districts and compete. While four graduated, Milton has plenty back with experience, and Wirt is excited for the season as the team has a bigger roster than year’s prior.

“We have a bigger team and a great mix of new and experienced swimmers. Carlie Dauberman and Rubie Newcomer (both seniors) have both swam in the past, but have not participated the last couple years, so I am thrilled to have them back and looking forward to them helping to strengthen our team,” Wirt said. “Sydney Kime swam on the Milton Rockets for years and will also be a great addition.”

Wirt noted that after a couple practices, she has already seen a lot of swimmers improve.

“I think we’ll be able to see many of their times drop,” Wirt said.

Returning with district experience this year include Max Ferry, who swam in both the 50 free and 100 back last year, and Claire Dick, a district qualifier in the 50 free. The team did graduate Camden Weaver, Gregory Painter and Maria Painter, all two-event district qualifiers, and Xavier Godown. That foursome all competed last year at districts.

But having Ferry and Dick back are more than beneficial for the program and the team.

“I think it is very beneficial to have a few returning athletes who competed at districts last year, especially with the number of freshmen we have,” Wirt said. “I think they’ll be able to lead by example and play an important role in preparing and encouraging the younger swimmers to push themselves.”

Dick qualified last year as a freshman and fellow freshman Sydney Kime is a swimmer that Wirt noted has experience swimming competitively.

“Claire Dick and Sydney Kime are both experienced competitive swimmers with a lot to offer. Claire was very involved in recruiting new team members and both she and Sydney have been a great help in getting them acclimated,” Wirt noted. “Bri Holovich (sophomore) is entering her second season and I already see an incredible amount of growth in her swimming abilities since last year, so I am really looking forward to seeing how she performs this season.”

Overall, Wirt noted that both a blend of new and experienced swimmers will be a strength for Milton as the winter season begins.

“The ones that have been swimming for years have been very welcoming to our first-timers, and there are quite a few strong friendships within the team,” Wirt said. “Not only do we have a great group of seasoned competitors, but also a good number of freshmen that will be key in carrying the team forward in the coming years.”

Coach: Lilly Wirt

Assistants: Tim Wirt

Returning state qualifiers: None

Returning boys district qualifiers: Max Ferry (50 free, 100 back).

Returning girls district qualifiers: Claire Dick (50 free).

Roster: Ruby Newcomer, sr.; Carlie Dauberman, sr.; Brianna Holovich, so.; Kaia Aiello, so.; Spencer Hutton, so.; Logan Irwin, so.; Sydney Kime, fr.; Grace Snyder, fr.