As the temperature drops outside, the swimming lanes are heating up for Carlisle swimmers.

In his second year as head coach, Jason Griffith hopes to send more swimmers to Mid-Penns this year and even some to the district tournament as well. Being in a competitive league, the swim team will be challenged by many teams.

On the girls’ side, the team will have more depth with some returning upperclassmen balanced out with a larger group of young swimmers.

With no substantial loss last year, Griffith anticipates the girls will “double their wins” this season.

Returning member that qualified for Mid-Penns are senior Charlotte Hammer, sophomore Caitlyn Padgett, and sophomore Maggie Brehm.

Junior swimmer Sarah French sees a key change to this season in regards to teamwork.

“We have bonded more from last year, we all know each other better and [because of that] our faster girls will encourage other girls to do better,” said French.

Having lost many swimmers through graduation, the boys team is challenged to “fill those holes… to be as competitive as last year,” said Griffith.

The boys hope to follow the girls in gaining depth to strengthen their team results.

“We will be counting on a lot of good swimmers moving up to take [the graduated seniors] place,” said senior Alan Hanks.

Returning Mid-Penn qualifiers for the boys are senior Sam DeAngelo, junior Noah Chirico, sophomore Dan Madio, and senior Johnnie Waters.

Individuals from both teams have spent their offseason training in “other CHS fall sports, marching band, and practicing at the YMCA,” said Griffith.

Hanks joined the cross country team to “build cardio and endurance” to prepare for this season.  Others were involved in various lifting and strength programs.

“Regardless of our win-loss record, the beauty of competitive swimming is that we will see a lot of individual improvement this season,” said Griffith.