Who says you need a swimming pool to have a swimming team?

Not Marian.

The Fillies and Colts continue to be the exception. They share a natatorium wherever they can find one — most often at neighboring Tamaqua or Mahanoy Area.

Head coach Andrea Feathers likes what she sees entering the new season. The program continues to grow, and the numbers continue to climb. Six swimmers comprise the Fillies’ roster; five make up the Colts’.

“It has been a nice response. Each year we are adding more and more swimmers,” Feathers said about preparing her squads for another campaign, despite not having a pool to call their own.

Marian has produced standout swimmers on both the girls and boys sides. The program has had Division I scholarship swimmers over the years, which makes its continued success without a home facility even more unique.

The Fillies finished 1-11 last season, but the team features a swimmer with “potential” greatness in Lydia Strucko. All she has done is qualify for the state meet as both a freshman and sophomore while setting pool records at Blue Mountain in the backstroke, at Tamaqua in the 100-yard butterfly and 200 IM, and in the 200 freestyle at North Schuylkill.

With Strucko back for her junior season — and serving as a team captain — three other veterans look ready to take steps forward. Kasey Evert and Komie Rosado are both sophomores, with Evert entering her second year and Rosado joining the team for the first time. Three freshmen, Ella Bones, Carly Green and Meah Solonski, round out the newcomers.

Feathers believes the Fillies will take another step.

“Our girls’ team will build experience and strength in the water as we have a few newcomers alongside veterans Strucko and Evert,” she said.

As for the Colts, Feathers has several standouts returning, led by Michael Strucko — Lydia’s brother — who helped the boys go 3-8-1 last season. He also set a pool record in the 200-yard IM at North Schuylkill and captured his first state medal while earning Times News/LVHN Swimmer of the Year honors.

Taking over as team captain is senior James Gomez, joined by fellow senior Reece Steibler. Strucko enters his final year as a letterwinner. Junior Andrew Metters and his brother, freshman Ryan Metters, round out the Colts’ lineup.

The Colts carry experience, and Feathers hopes it translates in competition.

“I am looking to bring some noise, as we have four returning veterans who are locked in,” Feathers said. “All are ready to branch out this season into some new events and welcoming newcomer Ryan Metters to boost the team.”