SK, sans Rousell, has more depth this year

There’s no debate about it within the South Kitsap girls swimming program.

The Wolves graduated Madison Rousell, who won a combined four state titles in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events, and there’s no one in the program who can replace the current University of Nevada-Las Vegas swimmer.

“You don’t ever replace someone like Madison, but you hope to get those three other girls in the relays faster so you can be successful,” South coach Dennis Anderson said.

Despite that, Anderson and his swimmers feel they can be even better this year because of improved depth. The coach cites a strong senior core — featuring Kate Hubner (200 individual medley, 100 backstroke), Desirae Reimers (500 freestyle), Helen Tripple (50 freestyle, 100 freestyle) and Stephanie Williams (diver) — in addition to sophomore Rachel Wester (50 freestyle).

With that experience, Anderson feels his team can perform well at dual meets.

“We have three or four really good swimmers and one probably top-notch swimmer in Helen Tripple,” he said. “Kate Hubner might be in that classification. But I think we’re looking at more depth this year.”

Hubner agreed.

“We have at least one strong swimmer in every event, if not more,” she said.

Anderson also is excited about several freshmen -- Ashley Becker (100 butterfly), Angela Pearson (500 freestyle), Ceira Sharp (100 butterfly), Johanna Steinbrink (50 freestyle) and Hannah Stravaaldson (200 individual medley). He said the influx of freshmen is rare, which also should give the team more depth at the junior-varsity level.

“We’ve been asking Coach if we can do drills with the junior varsity to teach them to swim,” Tripple said. “It’s been a good way to get to know everyone.”

How well the team performs in the Narrows League remains to be seen. Gig Harbor generally is one of the area’s top programs and Anderson said that won’t be any different this year.

“They will be our toughest opponent,” he said. “They’re pretty depth strong, not only in the duel meets but at the district and state levels.”

SCHEDULE

Sept. 6 at Wilson, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 Foss, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 at Mount Tahoma, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 North Kitsap, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Central Kitsap, 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Lincoln, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 Olympia, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Gig Harbor, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 16 Stadium, 3:30 p.m.

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