DIVISION 1
Teams to watch statewide: Clarkston, Brother Rice, Livonia Stevenson, Ann Arbor Pioneer, West Ottawa
Top local team: Rockford
Top swimmers in state: Jake Herremans, David Newberger, Rockford; Charlie Zink, Colin Fohey, Farmington; Tabahn Afrik, West Ottawa; Craig Cameron, Monroe
Top swimmers locally: Jake Herremans, David Newberger, Rockford
Preview: Rockford has a new coach in Derek Mead. “Another top 10 finish is our hope,” he said.
Don’t count out Farmington. “We are returning a lot of swimmers from last year, and they have put a lot of work in the off-season to get better,” coach Brian McNeff said.
State finals prediction: Brother Rice will successfully defend its title.
DIVISION 2
Teams to watch statewide: Dexter, Birmingham Seaholm
Top local teams: Bay City Central, Grand Ledge, Midland Dow, Okemos, Heritage
Top swimmers in state: Andrew Peck, Robbie Zofchak, Dexter; Enrique Hernandez, Jack Russell, Birmigham Seaholm; John Vann, Lakeview; Jacob Ehrman, Saline
Top local swimmers: Nehemiah Mork, Zach Hoffman, Midland Dow; Tyler Miller, Logan Yearham, Heritage; Michael Spears, Davison; Evan Clegg, Shane Paul, Bay City Central
Preview: Dave Staudacher of Bay City Central is looking for Midland Dow to be the team to beat in this area.
Dexter is defending state runner-up. “We have a fairly young team with only five seniors, but the young guys are really talented, and I think we can compete with the best teams in the state,” coach Michael McHugh said. “We need to continue to work hard each day to get better, and if we do that, we will be happy with the end result.”
Saline is looking to be top 10 in the state.
State finals prediction: Dexter will edge Birmingham Seaholm.
DIVISION 3
Teams to watch statewide: Chelsea, East Grand Rapids
Top local teams: Ionia, Mason, Powers Catholic
Top swimmers in state: Jake Burris, Joe Smith, Chelsea; Andrew Wells, St. Joseph; Andy MacGregor, Nathan Hein, East Grand Rapids
Top swimmers locally: David Kirtek, Powers Catholic; Brad Garmyn, St. Johns; Brevan Bender, Alma
Preview: “Chelsea has 12 incredible seniors that have all competed at a high level,” coach David Jolly said. “After last year’s incredible run at a state championship, the Bulldogs are even more focused to return and win. Chelsea returns 19 scorers from last year’s state finals. Depth is the key to the Bulldogs and their success.”
St. Joseph was fourth in the state last year but is rebuilding.
East Grand Rapids finished third in the Division 3 state meet with 256.83 points behind Cranbrook Kingswood at 297 and Chelsea at 273.33.
State finals prediction: East Grand Rapids takes the title.