Noel Fresa calls it a big deal that the Upper Perkiomen's swimming team has been unusually competitive. For the first time in a handful of seasons, the boys and girls have the depth to contend in most dual meets.

            "The kids are very excited to win and compete," head coach Brien Kalnoski said.

            The Indians girls led by Fresa, Madison Modugno, Bailey McCausland and Jayme Fisher, have won two of their initial three dual meets. They opened the season with a 117-48 road win over Quakertown on December 8.

            Six days later, they defeated Southern Lehigh 89-80. Fresa led her team with four first-place finishes. Modugno, Fisher and Bailey McCausland each added three top finishes.  In between, they lost 107-69 to Methacton on December 12.  Fresa (200 freestyle, 100 backstroke) and McCausland (200 IM, 100 breaststroke) each won two individual events.

            The boys won their season opening meet 112-51 over Quakertown and were competitive in losses to Methacton (107-69) and Southern Lehigh (114-54).

            According to Kalnoski, the additional depth and contributions of four freshmen including Sean Lyman and Kevin Kovalenko, have allowed him to juggle the lineup in order to earn additional team points. He compared it to playing chess, rather than checkers.

            Kyle Kovalenko delivered two first-place finishes for the Indians against Southern Lehigh. Against Methacton, Daniel Miller posted a team-high three top finishes. Kovalenko and Joel Williams each added two top showings.

            While the coach expressed hope that the team success could be the sign of a growing program, the focus will remain on individual achievement.

            "This is a blue collar swim team," Kalnoski said. "We're always going to have to grind out victories.  So far, the times have been good and no one has last focus of the ultimate goal."

            Fresa, a sophomore, is focused on returning to the PIAA Championship meet. She plans on spending all but one day of her Christmas break in the pool. The plan is spend at least 6-1/2 hours each day working out in the water.

            Kalnoski described Fresa, who qualified for last season's PIAA Class 2A meet in the 50 free and the 100 back, as a fierce competitor.  "We're blessed to have her on our team," the coach said.

            This season Fresa expects to qualify for states in the 50 and 100 freestyle. She said she expects to reach the finals in both events.  "I think I can medal in both of them," Fresa said.