The Platte County boys swim team is gearing up for another season in the pool with the same goals as they have every fall.
The Pirates aim for growth and development from their 12 athletes by dropping times and having fun. The final results will come as long as the team remains focused on its priorities.
“My goal is always the same thing,” head coach Britton Johnson said. “I want to see the athletes getting better. Not necessarily every meet, but over the course of the season, I want to see them getting better.”
A successful season isn’t determined by the final placement in conference, districts, or state. It is determined by the progress of each athlete from the season’s beginning to end.
“I prefer winning all the time, but I would rather have them swimming fast than winning and swimming slow,” Johnson said. “It’s all about them swimming faster, having fun, enjoying the sport and just getting better.”
The Pirates graduated a couple of state-qualifying seniors after last season, but they have a couple more still around for this year and also welcomed in two freshmen and two transfer students. Senior Jack Hokanson returns as a top-16 finisher in the 100-yard butterfly and 200 individual medley at state last year, while sophomore Beau Jonkman also has expectations to qualify for state.
While 2024 all-state swimmer Deacon Gutshall has graduated, his brother, Grisham Gutshall, will be among the four newcomers to the squad this year. The freshman has great potential with hopes of qualifying for state in his first year.
The Pirates also hope to qualify all three relay teams for state, as they did last year in the 200 medley, 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle. If all goes to plan, the Pirates will be swimming their best towards the end of the season, which they hope results in sending as many to swim at the state meet in St. Peters as possible.
“We appreciate the support of anyone who comes out to cheer on our guys,” Johnson said. “We’ve got a good group of guys this year that are looking to have a lot of fun.”
Platte County will host meets at Platte County Community Center North on Sept. 2, Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Oct. 18 and Oct. 21.