Swim coach Darin Abbasse said that a loss is a loss, but given the way his team competed with perennial state title contender Bloomfield Hills Lahser, Abbasse was still impressed by his squad.
Lake Orion fell 97-89 in their season opening meet at home on Aug. 29.
‘Last year, Lahser beat us by over 60 points,? he said. ‘We definitely saw our improvement, to compete with some (OAA) division one teams.?
Abbasse said this year’s team should be one of the best he’s had.
‘We only graduated a handful of seniors, so we have a talented young team,? he said.
That young team will compete in the Oakland Activities Association’s revamped second division.
‘The additions of Stoney Creek, Farmington Hills Harrison and Clarkston will make for a new test in division two,? Abbasse said. ‘Our goal is to go undefeated.?
Team captains for the 2006 season are Amy Abramczyk, Lauren Barber, Hillary Lennox and Michelle Tracy.
‘All four of them have dedicated themselves to the program and have improved greatly,? the coach said, noting that improvement has come in the pool, as well as in their leadership abilities.
In addition to those four, the team welcomes a new senior to the fold in Katrin Vetter, an experienced swimmer who has already set state qualifying times in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events.
‘She’s very committed to the sport of swimming,? Abbasse said.
Abbasse was quick to note that this team has more than just Vetter leading the way.
‘She’s a talented young lady who has the tools, but she’s one of several swimmers that will make an impact on our season,? he said.
In addition to his captains and Vetter, the coach said Emily Loerch and diver Jenna Dorey will play key roles.
‘They are my only returning state qualifiers,? Abbasse said.
The team also welcomes back Taylor Liechty, a senior who missed last season after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma right after her sophomore swim season.
The diver finished third at the Lahser meet and Abbasse said her story is truly an inspirational one.
‘Taylor was the athlete of the meet on Tuesday (versus Lahser),? Abbasse said. ‘Just having the determination and discipline to come back is great.?
The coach said his other impact swimmers include Kelsey Wilkop, Erin Halliday, Chelsea Booth, Liz Eesley, Emily Ribitch and Sara Simic, to name a few.
Abbasse said the team’s connection with the Liquid Lightning club has helped to bring in a steady diet of well-prepared young swimmers to LOHS in the past couple of years.
‘The incoming group is the strongest group we’ve had come in since 1998,? Abbasse said.
He put Christine Forrest, Alyssa Katz, Nicole Kudla and Sarah Stiel among the top of that incoming class.
Against Lahser, Loerch and Forrest went one-two in the 200-yard freestyle and flip-flopped positions in the 500-yard freestyle. Vetter won both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events, Dorey took first in diving and the team added a win in the 200-yard freestyle relay.
The team visits Stoney Creek on Thursday.