Monday, December 7, 2009

2009-2010 Season Underway

With the first few meets already completed, the 2009-2010 high school swimming season has started, and while not much yet in the way of big meets, the preseason top 5 has been released by The News Journal. For the boys, Salesianum stands at number 1, not really a shock, and AI in second seems to be clearly the next best, although those teams do not swim each other in a dual meet. DMA is ranked 3rd, with Charter 4th, and again, those two won't swim each other in a dual meet, and I think Charter's depth, even with the loss of the graduated seniors from last year, plays to their advantage at the state meet. Brandywine is 5th, and they suffered a loss to Sallies earlier today, but for now, I don't see them losing the 5th place spot, although without many meets, I don't see anyone else looking to get in the top 4, the 5th place team being the one to change around throughout the season. St. Andrew's, usually a pick for the top few teams, faces what looks to be a rebuilding year, having graduated a relatively large group of seniors.
For the girls' side, Charter is, once again, the favorite, but don't put it past Tatnall to again give them a run for their money. Padua proved last year that they are a tough team, earning them the 3rd place rank. After losing today to Ursuline, Brandywine will most likely fall out of the top 5, maybe giving way to Ursuline. Newark in 5th will look to hold on to a top 5 spot, but I have a feeling those rankings will change a lot once the season gets underway, with no clear favorites for the 4th and 5th spots.
Best of luck to everyone with the beginning of the season, and as always, comments are welcomed, keep in mind I am 600 some miles away, so please forgive anything that may seem a little off in my analysis.