SANDPOINT — After a strong offseason, Sandpoint High School swim looks to podium at state this year.

Last year, the girls swim team got second and the boys got fourth place.

In 2021, Emily Ballard, who is now a senior and a captain, got third place in the 200-yard freestyle, fifth in the 500-yard freestyle, and led the girls relay team to first place in the 200-yard freestyle relay and to second place in the 400-yard freestyle relay.

Coach Greg Jackson said Ballard may take up the breaststroke this year. While she was successful at state in freestyle last year, Jackson said Ballard is capable of anything. Ballard is a great team player who fills in at meets as needed for different events. Jackson said she utilizes Ballard tactically for different events depending on the competitors at each meet.

Senior Aiyana Prevost is a captain this year. Last year she placed fifth in the 200-yard freestyle, sixth in the 500-yard freestyle and helped the girls get third in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Jackson said Prevost spent the first three years filling in for the breaststroke. He said he’s excited to see how Prevost does since she put in time in the offseason to hone her freestyle technique.

Sophomore Ryleigh Bamer also saw some success at state last year. Bamer got third in the girls freestyle sprint, second in the 100-yard butterfly, and was part of the 200 and 400-yard freestyle relay teams. When asked to describe Bamer, her coach said a single word: “dangerous.”

“She has that quiet determination and leaves it all out in the pool.” Jackson said.

On the boys team, Caleb Norling is the only senior and captain this year. Last season, he got second in the 200-yard freestyle, third in the 100-yard freestyle, and helped the team get third in the 200 and 400-yard freestyle relays. Jackson said Norling is a versatile swimmer who is on the team for his fourth year. Jackson sees Norling as a first-place contender this year.

Lon LeBlanc is a returning junior this year. Last year he helped the team get third in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Jackson said he is a thoughtful and motivated athlete who has potential for the 100-yard butterfly and the freestyle sprint. His twin brother, Luc, is just behind his brother with potential in the breaststroke this season.

The SHS swim program consistently brings about ten or so athletes to state - combined girls and boys.

Last year, Bishop Kelly High School out of Boise won both the girls and boys 4A championships. Bishop Kelly’s boys team last year, however, was a bit senior-heavy. This could give other 4A schools an edge this season. However, their girls team has many junior returners who helped beat out the SHS girls for first place with a team score of 224.5 to Sandpoint girls’ second place total of 151.