Ezekiel Ramirez is expected to lead the way for the Carthage High School boys swim team this fall.
A senior, Ramirez is the team’s lone returning state qualifier. As a junior, Ramirez advanced to state in both the 100 and 200 freestyle.
At the state swimming championships, Ramirez finished 21st in the 200 free and 22nd in the 100 free.
Senior distance swimmer Declan O’Brien is also back for Braden McBride’s Tigers.
Other swimmers who should contribute nicely this fall are juniors Will Wallace (distance), Eli Cox (butterfly) and Landon White (butterfly) and sophomores Kellen Frieling (backstroke) and Noah Blackford (backstroke).
Freshman Braxton McBride is a newcomer who will contribute in the breaststroke and the sprint events.
Coach McBride said the team’s relays should be a strength of the Tigers, while continuing to work hard in practice will be the main key to success.
The Tigers will host the Carthage Relays on Aug. 31 at the Fair Acres Family YMCA.
