Strength in numbers: 37 swimmers out for the Raiders this season

WILLIAMSBURG — The Raiders ended their last swim season making history.

The historic event was qualifying for State in the 200 freestyle relay.

“It was the first time Williamsburg has qualified anything to state in nine years,” Williamsburg girls’ swimming coach Mindy Wuebker said.

“I feel as a smaller school that was a big accomplishment.”

There is only one class in girls’ swimming, so the smaller schools have to contend with the bigger schools for spots at the State tournament.

Girls’ wrestling was recently divided into two classes, and that’s something Wuebker hopes to see happen in girls’ swimming as well.

This season, the Raiders have strength in their numbers.

“We graduated 10 seniors from last season, but we have 37 swimmers this season,” Wuebker said.

“It will be a building year for us, but we have a lot of talent and a big, exciting freshman class.”

Thirteen freshman will swim for the Raiders this season.

The Raiders spent Thursday and Friday at Luther College for a team camp.

“It’s been a great kick starter for us and great team building for everyone to get to know each other,” Wuebker said.

“We do a Co-op with Clear Creek Amana, which is common in swimming, for not every school has their own pool.”

The lone returnee from the State-qualifying relay team last season is Selah Smith, who will be a swimmer to watch out for this season.

The Raiders will be competing in the North Central Conference again this year with Boone, Decorah, Grinnell, and Vinton-Shellsburg.

The season kicks off for the Raiders Aug. 29 in a dual meet vs. Tipton at the Newton YMCA.