Five returning state-qualifiers will lead the way for the Joplin High School boys swim team this fall.
Seniors Ian Vermillion and Jackson Mordica, juniors Nathan Wardlow and Parker Hinman and sophomore Isaiah Thom all return with state meet experience.
With the group of returning state-qualifiers, along with a number of other promising athletes, Joplin coach Aaron Stump said the expectations are set high this fall.
“Our guys are dedicated to swimming,” Stump said. “They choose to swim year-round and have a drive to improve.”
At last year’s state meet, Wardlow finished 17th in the 500 free and 28th in the 200 IM, while Hinman finished 28th in the 100 backstroke.
Joplin’s 200 medley relay that featured Hinman, Mordica and Vermillion finished 18th at the state meet, while the 200 freestyle relay that featured Wardlow, Vermillion and Thom finished 24th and the 400 free relay that featured Vermillion, Hinman and Wardlow took 25th.
Stump noted the Eagles hope to improve upon their state finishes this fall.
“We have a core group of year-round swimmers who have already improved their times, and I hope to make it in the top 16 in at least two relays,” Stump said. “I expect more individual qualifiers this year and can see both Parker and Nathan breaking the top 16, if not the top eight, individually.”
At last year’s COC Meet, the Eagles were second in the 200 medley relay, second in the 400 free relay and fifth in the 200 free relay. Wardlow was the conference runner-up in both the 200 IM and the 500 free, while Mordica took second in the 100 breaststroke.
Also at last year’s COC Meet, Hinman was fourth in the 100 backstroke, while Vermillion was fourth in the 100 fly and sixth in the 200 free. Hinman was sixth in the 200 IM and Thom took sixth in the 50 free.
Thom is expected to take on a bigger role to help fill the gap left by the graduation of Zane Newman.
Also on the varsity roster are juniors Jordan Goins, Matthew Goins, Gideon Speer and Connor Intessimone and freshman Owen Mordica.
Stump, who is in his second year leading the program after nine years as an assistant coach, noted there is plenty of hard work ahead if the team wants to accomplish its lofty goals.
“We need to figure out a new swim order for the 200 medley relay since our freestyle swimmer graduated last year,” Stump noted. “We plan to conduct time trials multiple times at practices leading up to our first meet and will make adjustments in season based on swim performances.”
As far as keys to success, Stump mentioned continued hard work and dedication in practice. And he’s confident his Eagles have the pieces in place to have a stellar year.
“The passion our guys have for swimming and the enthusiasm they bring to the team will make the season a success,” Stump said.
