The numbers are rising for the Tamaqua swim teams - and that’s a good thing.

“The strength of both teams lies in our numbers,” Raider head coach Jennifer Paisley said. “I’m so pleased about the turnout for our boys’ team. Usually we struggle with numbers - but not this year.”

Now entering her fourth season as the head coach, Paisley points to the uptick on both teams as something that will be a huge help in dual meets this season.

“The ability to fill the lanes on both rosters is a huge asset for us,” said Paisley. “Our seniors (both girls and boys) have also really stepped up in the last few years to grow as team leaders; especially as motivators during practice, and it’s paid off every season.

“We’ve really begun to see a turn around in our league record, and we hope to see that improve even more this season.”

Both teams have a nice mixture of youth and experience, according to Paisley.

“With some of the younger kids we are focusing on skills like stroke technique, as well as starts and turns so these athletes will be assets to the team,” said Paisley, “Our more experienced swimmers have really been working on strength and conditioning, and have been working out with (football) coach (Sam) Bonner a few times a week for not only conditioning, but also injury prevention.”

While improving the dual meet record, and developing individuals for postseason success are always goals, Paisley said that isn’t all she’s focused on.

“We start each and every day being grateful for the opportunity to participate in whatever capacity we are allowed due to COVID,” she said. “Our numbers haven’t really been affected by the pandemic, so that’s a testament to the faith parents and athletes have in this program.

“We are working together with our administrators and athletic director to provide the safest environment possible for our athletes so they can continue doing what they love. This is a small sense of normalcy in these crazy times, and the kids truly do appreciate each and every moment and opportunity they are given.”

GIRLS

During Paisley’s three previous seasons, the Blue Raider girls have been more than just competitive, having put themselves on the cusp of making a run at the Schuylkill League championship. The girls overall record is 30-30 during that span, which includes a 24-14 league mark.

During the shortened 2019-2020 season, Paisley and her assistant Lisa Trubilla led the girls to a 7-8 overall mark, and 6-4 record in the league.

Five swimmers from that squad - Brianna Dumond, Logan Hartney, Zeno Zukovich, Ashley Jones and Alexander Barron - won’t be returning this year.

The team does have a solid mix of returnees led by seniors Madelyn Jones, Nicole Aguero-Ramirez and Hailey Toth. The junior crop features Maura Walker, Rylee Wenzel, Jocelyn Clause, Morgan McGuinness, and Megan Sweeney. The staff will rely on a pair of sophomore veterans in Mia Jones and Megan Lavine. The roster also includes seven freshmen in Lexi Buchala, Gabby Blasko, Emily Kohlmeir, Lily McNutt, Maria Onea, Graycee Kovalchick and McKenna Ehrig.

BOYS

The boys are 14-46 overall, and 10-29 in league meets over the last three seasons. While the Raiders have had some nice individual talent, the lack of numbers had made it difficult to be successful in dual meets.

That could change if things go according to plan this season.

When Paisley opened the natatorium for preseason practices, there were 13 boys swimmers eager to make waves, including a half-dozen frosh hopefuls who should bolster the depth of the team.

“I’m so happy with the turnout for the boys’,” Paisley said about a team that was 6-9 overall, and 5-5 in league a year ago.

The team features the senior leadership of Ethan Amershek and Nate Kovalchick, both impact veterans. Junior Ben Hehn is also expected to be a top-flight competitor. The sophomore class finds Joe Lescavage, Brandon Long, Alec Nattress and Sean Wall, who were all contributors last season.

The freshmen group includes Stephen Behun, Jack Tharp, Jathan Krall, Espn Ansbach, Tait Ehrig and Ethan DiBonifazio.