Having a pair of returning all-state upperclassmen swimmers, Park Hill will be led by senior Raphael Realina and junior Jack Stanley.
Park Hill finished in 17th place at the Class 2 State Championship a season ago. Realina was an All-State Honorable Mention in the 100-yard breaststroke and qualifier in the 500-yard freestyle, while Stanley was All-State in the 100-yard backstroke – the event he has the program record in – and All-State Honorable Mention in the 200-yard individual medley.
“Raphael Realina, Jack Stanley and Eli Osborne were individual qualifiers last year and will be our top threats to make it back this year,” Park Hill head swimming and diving coach Karl Haley said.
Osborne just missed out on qualifying for state in the 100-yard backstroke in his sophomore campaign. Park Hill will have a relatively small roster as senior Finn Harrold, sophomore Jack Vaden and sophomore Ricky Hoover are the remaining three varsity swimmers.
“We’re fairly experienced but low in numbers. With 15 total swimmers we’ll be able to compete for some individual titles and dual meets but will find competing for team victories a little challenging at larger invitational meets,” Haley said.
Freshman Brady Scamman has stepped up early on and looks to be competing for a relay spot. Haley told the Platte County Citizen what Park Hill will need to do to be competitive this fall.
“In order for us to be successful, we’ll need everyone to continue to improve and buy into the work and effort it takes to make a competitive team in the Suburban Silver (Division) Conference, arguably one of the deepest swim and dive conferences in the state.” Haley said.