An influx of new young talent has refreshed the boys swimming and diving roster and given the team great hope for its prospects this season and for the years to come.

“Being a team with many younger swimmers has been an absolute joy,” said co-captain William Wildish ’21 of this year’s squad, which includes more lower mids (7) and preps (7) than upper mids and seniors combined (6).

Continued Wildish, “This new generation of Hotchkiss swimmers are setting a strong foundation for a very successful team in the upcoming years.”

Head coach Keith Moon was also bullish on the team’s young talent, praising all of them and offering special kudos to newcomers James Yae ’23 and Ryan Tse ’23.

“I knew we were getting two good ones – I didn’t realize how good,” said Moon of the duo, who both swim breaststroke. “They’re absolutely delightful, with their spark and humor. They’ve really transformed the two lead lanes.”

The returners will still provide leadership and many of the points in meets, including the quintet of Jeffrey Lim ’21, Royce Shey ’21, Chris Tolis ’21, co-captain Leo Poggi ’20, and Wildish.

Moon noted that Lim has a chance to set a new school record in the butterfly and possibly place at the year-end Founders League and New England championships.

With so many newcomers, Poggi emphasized that he and Wildish would be working hard to establish and maintain the team’s tradition and positive culture. “We are mostly just trying to show them what it means to be a Hotchkiss swimmer, which is to practice consistency, dedication, hard work, and a positive mindset in and out of the pool,” he said.

If all goes well, Poggi and fellow senior Harry Li ’20 could have a chance for some special final memories, as Hotchkiss will once again host the New England championships on Mar. 7.