Rebuilding. A term that has been used a lot lately to describe many of the sports teams  in the Kansas City area, ranging from professional to collegiate to high school. 

   It is also a term that seeems to perfectly describe what the South boys’ swim team is going through as practices begin and the season comes underway. 

   Bruce Bove, head coach said, "Without a doubt, our team is going to be affected. We lost the core of our state team from last year to graduation so a lot of younger guys are going to need to step up."

   The team is seriously hurting in regards to state experience, with only co-captain Andrew Stevens, jr., returning from last year’s squad.

   "I think this team has a lot of untapped potential. Most of the guys are new, and I think they’re better than they realize," said Stevens.
   The team’s first meet was Wednesday December 3 at Lawrence Free State, against Blue Valley, Free State, and Leavenworth. (Results were unavailable at press time.)

   "My goal right now is to qualify at least three relay teams for the state meet and then qualify as many swimmers for as many individuals as possible."

   It’s only the beginning of a long season and anything is possible. But one thing is certain, it will take a lot of work for this team to match the success of last year’s ninth place state team.  

   Bove said, "We have advanced really far in the first two weeks of tryouts, so I think we are on the right track."