Louisburg boys swim ready for another state run

Louisburg sophomore Andrew Jamison is one of three returning state qualifiers for the Wildcat boys swim team this season.

The Louisburg boys swim team put together its most memorable season last year and the Wildcats are hoping the 2023-24 campaign is just as unforgettable.

Louisburg qualified four swimmers for the state meet a year ago and competed in five events and put together its best season in its short history.

Sophomores Colin Brown, Andrew Jamison and junior Colton Prettyman all return from that group as they try to take an even bigger jump this season.

“We are seeing that our state returners are starting off the season with times practically identical to where they left off at the end of last season,” coach Mary Argeropoulos said. “This bodes extremely well for our development this year. We anticipate a strong return of individual swims to state competition this season.  Colin, Andrew, and Colton from Louisburg, along with Luke (Hebert) from Osawatomie and Landen (Terflinger) from Paola are stronger and faster than this time last year and we can’t wait to see them excel in the pool this season.”

As a freshman, Brown returned home with hardware from last year’s state meet as he medaled eighth in the 100-yard butterfly. 

Brown and Jamison also competed in the consolation finals in individual races, and in a pair of relays with Prettyman.

Louisburg currently has five swimmers out this season. Along with Prettyman, Brown and Jamison, freshmen Noah Sharp and Brock Delmez have joined the group.

During the regular season, Louisburg swims on a co-op team with Osawatomie and Paola. They have since added a new school to its program in Spring Hill.

“We are in the growing process for sure,” Argeropoulos said. “Seven Spring Hill swimmers have joined, Osawatomie added three new and Louisburg has two new freshmen as well. We are merging into one great team.”

Expectations are high this season for all of the swimmers and they got their season off to a good start Saturday at the Lansing Relays as they finished seventh in the team standings.

The 200 butterfly relay of Hebert, Dylan Mabe, Terflinger and Brown finished second, as did the 200 breaststroke relay of Prettyman, Mabe, Hebert and Jamison.

The 200 freestyle relay of Prettyman, Mabe, Terflinger and Brown took third and finished two seconds under the state qualification standard.

Brown, Jamison, Hebert and Colton Prettyman took third in the 200 medley relay and were nine seconds under the state qualification mark. Mabe, Terflinger, Hebert and Brown took third in the 4×100 medley.

“We have 18 swimmers out this season and practices have started well this year,” Argeropoulos said. “It’s great to see fuller lanes of swimmers and we are picking up quickly in intensity this season. There is definitely a feeling of excitement and anticipation in the pool this season.”

Louisburg will return to action Wednesday in Topeka.