John Raffel
Sports Scene
This could be a big winter for the Grand Ledge boys swimming & diving team.
Ian Townsend will be coaching a team that was third at the CAAC Blue meet a year ago and 24th at the Division 2 state meet.
Xinghao Wanong, a sophomore, is strong in the intermediate and breaststroke. Evan Ilief, a junior, will produce in the sprints and junior Greg Dewitt will do so in the distances. Neil Wilkes, a senior, is in the sprints. Senior Tyler Martin is in the distances, and Zack Aungst is strong in the sprints.
The team expects to be strong in the freestyle events. The diving event and depth could be some possible weaknesses.
“This team has great potential because it has such a strong nucleus of talent. Each of the returners has a great deal of experience and has already experienced a great deal of success,” Townsend said.
He expects Brother Rice, Holland, Ann Arbor Pioneer, and Ann Arbor Huron to be among the teams to beat this year. Saginaw Heritage and both Midland High and Midland Dow should also be strong this season.