Ponies dive into a new swimming season

It is time once again for the Havre High swim team to take a dive into the water. There is always something refreshing in taking that first jump into the pool, especially when it is inside their very own home, the Havre Community Pool.

And the 2019-2020 season will not change that fact, with the Ponies beginning the new year hosting their annual Havre Invitational. Once again, led by head coach Bill Kilgore, the veteran swim coach is excited for his boys and girls teams to have another season in the lanes, along with a new group of kids.

"I'm always excited to get to work with a new group of kids," said Kilgore. "We graduated a lot of kids last year and have lots of newbies this year. I look forward to teaching this group of swimmers how to compete in every aspect of the word."

This season, the teams will be eager to get back into the water, with some familiar and new faces making up the squad.

The 2019 class of swimmers have gone, with team members like Aria Pratt, Ammon Lines, Logan Twombly, John Klein, Noah Gjesdal, Paxtin McCann, Lacey Huseby, Hannah Lunak and Natalie Verploegen through with their time on the Havre squad.

Last year, the Havre boys team tied for first at state alongside Billings Central and this year, the group will look to accomplish a high finish again. Now, there are 14 swimmers competing on the boys team this year. Seniors Jacob Miller and Troy Powell will be leading the team to another big year.

Other swimmers for the boys team include Riley Kilgore, Riley Klein, Trenton Varney, Connor McKay, Carson Sandstrom, Brigham Blackwell, Hiram Cammon, Wyatt Hagstrom, Collin Miller, Joey Byrd, Brayton Kasper and Chase Mariani. There are many new faces on the squad and the senior leadership will help anchor the team to do well.

The Pony girls team, who took fifth last year, will be led by quite a few seniors like Katelyn Maloughney, Carsyn Vogel, Morgan Flammond, Angela Rhines, Hannah Pratt, Abby Neidert and Tori Messineo. The girls team is comprised of 21 swimmers, with the rest of the lineup consisting of returning standouts Kobi Burchard and Megan Miller, as well Saranina Flores, Blaklee Lines, Emme Lines, Willie LaSmith, Lennon Hannon, Aliviah Pratt, Navelle Rameles, Kate Hemmer, Grace Crantz, Talia Manuel, Carlee Kato and Willow Riggin.

There are many strong swimmers among the team once again this year, with a mix of experience and youth across the board. For Kilgore, it is a great opportunity to bring up a new class of swimmers, as well as watch the returners shine, with goals placed upon the year.

"We are going to win, and we are going to lose, but there are lessons to be learned in both situations," said Kilgore. "I look forward to coaching them through every aspect and teaching them how to learn from each situation. Along the way, I expect us to get more resilient, tougher and harder to beat as a team."

The schedule this season consists of many familiar meets that are often seen every year. The Havre Invitational on Saturday, the Class A meet in Hardin Jan. 4, the Bozeman meet Jan. 11, and four Great Falls meets Dec. 20-21, Jan. 18 and Jan. 24., with the State Meet in Great Falls Feb. 14-15.

The schedule is a tough one this year, but Kilgore has some keys that will help his team succeed throughout the season.

"I want the kids to have fun," Kilgore said. "Nobody is earning a living on this swim team, and I believe that the swimmers should just have fun while learning a few life lessons. If we have fun, compete, and learn how to deal with victory and defeat in a mature manner, then I will consider the season a success."

The Havre Invitational Saturday at noon will kick off the season for Havre. As always, the meet will be a triangular between the Ponies, the CMR Rustlers and Great Falls High Bison. All of the action takes place in the Havre Community Pool.