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Parker swim roster increases with seniors leading the way

Janesville Parker High School’s girls swim team is thinking “large” this season.

Large as in team numbers, and large as in season goals.

Second-year coach Andrea Nichols is bubbling over with enthusiasm. The Vikings open the Big Eight Conference dual season at Beloit Memorial at 5 p.m. Friday.

“We are a growing team,” said Nichols, who has 35 on the roster. “We grew last year, and we have grown this season.”

Not to forget, this is an Olympic year, and the eight gold-medal success of super swimmer Michael Phelps has fanned the competitive flames of young swimmers.

“The Olympics are an inspiration to everyone,” Nichols said. “How can you not be inspired by Michael Phelps? All the girls are returning with a positive attitude.’’

The Vikings feature nine seniors. They include Samantha Anacker, Bridget and Michelle Kortyna, Jenna Miland, Kate Perkins, Katie Roehl, Bernie Sanderson, Katherine Tordoff and Brook Weis.

“The seniors are going to be a powerhouse,” Nichols said. “We have a dedicated group.’’

Anacker, the team captain, is expected to lead the way in the breaststroke and 200 individual medley.

Bridget Kortyna will key the 500 freestyle and the 100 butterfly. Michelle Kortyna will handle the breaststroke and the 100 freestyle.

Bernie Sanderson will work the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke. Brook Weis is in the butterfly and a backstroke.

Parker juniors include Tricia Gohde, Samantha Jackson, Erin Jensen, Annie Jersile, Allison Krickl, Leah Letson, Mindi Nellis and Megan Olin.

“Megan Olin will be the one to watch,” Nichols said. “She is our sprinter.’’

Olin will swim the 50 and 100 freestyles. Jensen is expected to lead the juniors in the butterfly and the 500 freestyle.

Parker’s sophomore class includes Kara Bianchetti, Korrie Bysted, Rachel Lancour, Frankie Larson, Emily Mauermann, Paige Simonis and Samantha Witek.

The freshmen include Ann Armstrong, Samantha Bladorn, Brianna Bradley, Sara Gosline, Missy Holmes, Amanda Lea, Lydia Lobrano, Lexy Roehl, Lizzy Roehl and Haley Stevenson.

Nichols is counting on improvement from all the Vikings’ swimmers.

“We looking down the road to win more, or at least lose less,” Nichols said. “We expect to have improvement in every event.’’

Parker schedules:

AUGUST: 29—At Beloit Memorial, 5 p.m; 30—Parker Relays, 11 a.m.

SEPTEMBER: 5—At Madison East, 5 p.m.; 12—Madison West, 5 p.m.; 13—At Elkhorn, 10 a.m.; 19—At Verona, 5 p.m.; 26—Sun Prairie, 5 p.m.

OCTOBER: 3—At Janesville Craig, 5 p.m.; 10—At Rockford Auburn, 8:30 a.m.; 17—At Madison Memorial, 5 p.m.; 18—Cougar Relays, at Janesville Craig, 10 a.m.; 22—Middleton, 5 p.m.

NOVEMBER: 1—Big Eight meet, at Middleton; 8—WIAA Division 1 sectional, at Middleton; 15—WIAA state meet, at UW Natatorium, Madison.