A blend of depth and talent has made O’Fallon one of the top teams in the Midwest Swim Conference over the past decade, and the 2011 Breakers are no exception.
In 2010, O’Fallon finished second in the Midwest Conference behind Kings Point, which won its sixth consecutive title.
"That was a great accomplishment and we hope to keep it strong this year," said assistant coach Mary Peterson. "We lost some older kids, but a lot of people aged up. We always have pretty good numbers and this year is no exception. There’s a waiting list to get on the team."
Peterson has been running the team until head coach Kim Kurtz returns from her wedding and honeymoon. She swam for the Breakers from when she was 5 until she was 18, except for a two-year break while in high school. Peterson also swam for Asbury University, an NAIA school in Wilmore, Ky. This is her third year as a coach for O’Fallon.
"As a team, we continue to get better," Peterson said. "When the older kids leave, some other kids step up."
Rick Edwards, the Breakers’ board president, appreciates the community’s interest in the swim team.
"We capped the team roster at 140, so unfortunately we had to turn away another 10 or 15 kids," Edwards said.
O’Fallon held its annual "mock meet" on June 14 before officially opening the season last Thursday with a loss to Hilltoppers at Dupo.
"For the younger kids, it allows them to get the feeling of a meet and see how everything works," Peterson said. "For the coaches, it helps us to see where the kids are at and what we need to work on during practice."
Top returning swimmers for O’Fallon include Max Gibbs (11-12 boys) and Natalie Edwards (11-12 girls).
"We definitely have strength in numbers, especially in the 9-10 age group," Peterson said. "We also have a lot of 15-18 girls."
Angela Newlon (15-18 girls) was another high point winner last year and is one of many year-round swimmers on the team. Other Breakers who also swim for the YOSI (YMCA of Southern Illinois) Seals include Rachel Sotiropoulos (13-14 girls) Maggie Murphy (13-14 girls), Noelle Lavigne (11-12 girls) and Alyssa Thoman (8-and-under girls).
The Breakers traveled to Scott Air Force Base on June 21 and defeated the Sharks. They played host to Kings Point last Thursday and lost. O’Fallon had a bye on Tuesday and has a home meet Thursday against St. Clair Country Club.
"We want to do well in dual meets and we want to rank high at the conference meet again and set some new team records," Peterson said. "We would be happy with second place, but we’re striving for first place."
Edwards, likewise, has also set some high goals for the team.
"Our objective every year is to be in the top three," he said. "One of our main competitors will obviously be Kings Point, but there’s also Hilltoppers. They may not have as many older kids, but they have some younger kids that are really good."
