The athletes that have come through the doors over the years at Fort Zumwalt West to take part in the girls swimming program have helped coach Jeri Labrot gorge the program into not only one of the area's, but one of the state's elite.
That carried on into last season when the team, led by current Evansville swimmer Michelle Tipton, took third in the state, earning a team trophy at the championship meet.
Without Tipton, though, the question was if the team could return to its glory with a new set of swimming leaders.
According to senior Aly Coleman, that's the plan.
"It's about keeping the legacy going," Coleman said. "Evyn Spencer and I are up there kind of leading the team. With Michelle (Tipton) gone, it's our time to lead now. It's been fun to wait for this for four years, but our time is now."
One look at the best times so far, and it's easy to see that those swimming for the Jaguars are, indeed, maintaining the program's lofty standards.
Spencer (1 minute, 3.72 seconds in the 100-yard backstroke), Courtney Coe (1:01.09 in the 100-butterfly - the best time so far in the area and 5:44.16 in the 500), Kayla Grimm (2:20.56 in the 200-individual medley) and Coleman (1:15.61 in the 100-breaststroke) are all among the swimmers in the area honor roll for the best times to date.
Labrot said Liz Ley, Sophia Clark and Mallory Gonthier add to the team's overall depth.
"I think we still have a of depth and some people are going to underestimate us," Coleman said. "There is still a lot (of talent)."
One thing Labrot is certain of is the Jaguars' remaining depth gives them a shot at attaining the levels they have in past seasons.
Be it a pair of sixth-place finishes at the tail end of the 2009 and 2010 seasons, or the third place finish last year.
"We have several individuals who did well that are back this year," Labrot said. "I think there is plenty of reason to believe we could definitely get there (sixth in state) and it (third) is something we can reach for this year."
Two very specific areas have also already begun to stand out for Zumwalt West.
The Jaguars' 200-free and 200-medley relay teams are both the fastest in the area.
Another area where Zumwalt West looks really strong this season is off the diving board.
Freshman Marissa Green is already turning heads with her performances.
"The points needed for the state meet is 210 and our school record was 230," Labrot said. "She has already dived a 250 and a 280-something. It is very possible that she could have the highest diving total for the entire state headed into the (championships)."
With so much talent, Labrot reiterated her feelings about the season. Zumwalt West is going to take no prisoners.
"Conference is always a goal of ours," Labrot said. "Then we have the goal of finishing strong at state, where we will be in position to do well."
