May 09, 2024

Newton swimming will rely on seniors

By Mike Hockett

Newton’s boys swim team opens the season tonight against Southeast Polk. Members of the team are (front row, from left) Keegan Lockhart, Conner Marston and Steven Jones. Second row: Luke Norcross, Ryan Jolivette, Cody Maxwell, Peder Hopkins, Matt Stock and Alec Ubben. Third row: Josh Smith, Spencer Hook, Ryan Rosenquist, Paul DeHart, Carter McDermott, Alex Pleis and Phillip Ridley. Back Row: Managers Lea Mikkelson, Kora Scotton, Sidney Griffith, Coach David Hook, Managers Lexie Cupples, Emily Beighn and Marissa Beeler. (Mike Hockett)

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Dave Hook would like to have a few more kids on his Newton boys swimming roster, but he’ll make do with what he’s got.

The Newton boys swimming coach will have 18 kids to mix and match into 11 varsity spots, which is down some from last year but still manageable.

“It was a little less than I expected,” Hook said. “But it’s a workable number. We average about 20.”

The Cardinals rostered 27 last season and five graduated from that team, which finished seventh at districts.

On the plus side, four seniors return, led by Keegan Lockhart and Conner Marston.

Hook said he’ll depend on those two, along with fellow seniors Jamie Carr and Steven Jones to set an example.

“I’m expecting a lot of leadership,” he said. “I expect them to show the younger boys what they need to be doing and lead the team in all facets, whether that’s in warm-ups, team cheers, etc. Just showing these younger boys how it’s done.”

Last year’s leading points scorer, Matt Thoma, won’t be with the team this season. He’s currently down in Brazil as a foreign exchange student.

“Unfortunately he’s not with us this year, but he’ll b back for his senior year,” Hook said of Thoma.

In his absence, Lockhart is the team’s top returning scorer after finishing second behind Thoma last year.

Besides the four seniors, a trio of juniors — Alec Ubben, Carter McDermott and Matt Stock — are expected to compete on varsity. They will likely be joined in a rotation of by six sophomores — Josh Smith, Luke Norcross, Peder Hopkins, Ryan Jolivette, Sid Trotter and Spencer Hook.

Coach Hook said he’s liked what he’s seen in practice so far and that tonight’s season-opening meet against Southeast Polk will give him a better idea of where everyone fits.

“I’m happy with where we’re at, but also know we have a long ways to go,” Hook said. “We’re just getting the little things down that will make us a good, quality team.”

For Hook, the past two seasons have been especially unique in that he’s been both a spectator, parent and coach of Newton swimming. His daughter, Lindsay, just finished her Aquagirls career at the state meet back on Nov. 6, and his son, Spencer, is a sophomore on the boys team.

“It’s been really neat,” he said about the experience. “I really enjoyed watching Lindsay develop over the years and she’s a pretty special swimmer. I’m hoping Spencer’s the same way. He’s a vocal leader sometimes in practice. It’s just really neat to be able to coach your kids and be a spectator at the same time.”

With Southeast Polk coming to town tonight, Hook said it will be a good litmus test right away for his team.

“I expect good effort,” he said. “Southeast Polk is going to be a good team. They’re going to be very strong competition and I’d like us to rise up and match what they have.”

The Cardinals and Rams begin at 5:30 tonight in Newton.