Splashes of excitement and waves of determination—this season, the Huron Valley United boys swim team is ready to dive headfirst into greatness. Guided by head coach James Schuler and possessing an extremely motivated team, they’re bound for a season full of personal bests and team triumphs in both conference and regional meets.
The team finished second in the Lakes Valley Conference last year, narrowly losing to rival South Lyon. Standout performances from seniors Brendan Marshall and Till Bonau, along with juniors Tommy Shaw and Layton Armstrong, highlighted the season. Marshall and Shaw excelled in the 100-yard butterfly and 200-yard freestyle, respectively, while Bonau and Armstrong delivered strong showings in the 100-yard breaststroke and 100-yard freestyle. Despite falling short of first place, the HVS competitors had plenty to celebrate.
This coming season, the Huron Valley United teams aim to build on last season’s success, focusing on both individual and relay events to climb higher in the standings. The team combines experienced upperclassmen with a promising group of underclassmen, creating a balanced and competitive roster.
Leading the charge this year is senior Brendan Marshall, a specialist in mid distance/sprint freestyle and butterfly, who had placed 12th in the state meet last season, who is now committed to Saginaw Valley State University for swimming. “I’m really hyped for this season after our success last year. We are ready to hit the ground running in the first meet with some top division one times.” Marshall said.
Along with him is Junior Tommy Shaw, a standout in sprint freestyle and butterfly, and Junior Nick Marinescu, whose versatility in freestyle adds depth to the team. Together, they form a formidable core for the relays and individual events. “I am really excited to see how our team grows as the season progresses and am eager to see how we do at States,” Shaw stated.
Under the guidance of Coach James Schuler, now in his fifth year as head coach, the team has cultivated a strong focus on technique and endurance, forming the foundation of a dynamic and competitive culture. Since June, they have been undergoing intensive preparation that includes dryland exercises, pool drills, and strategic planning, all aimed at meeting the demands of the new season, which officially began on November 24th. Reflecting on the previous year’s success, Schuler highlighted a standout moment: qualifying for the top 8 in the 400 freestyle relay at the state finals, which marked their first-ever all-state relay team. “I think our team this year has the abilities to build off of that and excel in what we want to do this season,” he said, expressing optimism for continued growth and achievement.
The team has set its sights on finishing in the top 3 in the Conference again and qualifying multiple swimmers for the state championships. Key meets on the calendar include the LVC finals, which always draws a spirited crowd, where the team hopes to showcase its full potential.
With their goggles on tight and their goals set high, the Huron Valley United boys swim team is ready to turn heads and make waves this season. From relay races to thrilling finishes, every meet promises to be a showcase of their hard work and infectious energy. So, come and join in as these swimmers race toward a season of unforgettable moments and plenty of poolside celebrations!