Zane Newman and Jacob Glenn have competed at the state swim meet in back to back seasons.
They’ll look to make it three straight this fall.
A pair of juniors who have already earned all-state recognition during their prep careers, Newman and Glenn will lead the way for the Joplin High School boys swim team in 2021.
“Newman and Glenn will definitely be leading the way for us as juniors,” Joplin coach Ali Stauffer said. “They’ve been to state the last two years on the relays and I know they want to go back to state as individuals this year. We talk everyday about what they need to do to get to state. That’s what they’re gunning for and that’s what they’re setting their minds to.”
Newman and Glenn competed at last year’s state meet with seniors Ben Wardlow and Zane Reavley on Joplin’s 200-yard freestyle relay that finished 20th in 1 minute, 34 seconds.
Newman and Glenn also competed at state as freshman.
Newman was part of Joplin’s 200 freestyle relay team that finished eighth, earning all-state honors. Glenn swam a leg on the 200 medley relay team that finished 16th, earning honorable mention all-state honors.
Individually, Newman will likely focus on the 100 butterfly and possibly the 200 or 500 freestyle this fall.
Glenn will likely be the team’s top performer in the 100 backstroke and will likely swim the 100 or 200 free, as well.
Sophomore Ian Vermillion is also back with varsity experience.
“He’s been working hard this summer and I think he’ll make some strides this year,” Stauffer said.
Stauffer expects freshmen Nathan Wardlow and Parker Hinman to contribute nicely.
Nathan is the younger brother of Ben Wardlow.
“I can see Nathan doing some big things,” Stauffer said. “He’s going to be our long distance swimmer (500 freestyle). I know he’s gunning for state and his 500 time is right around the state time. Parker is another one who works really hard and could surprise some people this year.”
Joplin was originally scheduled to host its annual outdoor invitational on Sept. 2 at Schifferdecker Aquatic Center. That event is now off, as the facility will be closed by that date.
The Eagles will open the season on September 2 in Springfield.
Stauffer noted the team continues to prepare for the upcoming season.
“Practices have been going well,” Stauffer said. “The boys have been working really hard.”
Joplin swim roster
Seniors: Trevor Blanken, Wyatt Satterlee
Juniors: Jacob Glenn, Devin Lawson, Zane Newman
Sophomores: Oliver Bortz, Jackson Mordica, Ian Vermillion
Freshmen: Parker Hinman, Nathan Wardlow
