Bluff adds swimming, forms conference with ND, Central

There will be a new conference joining the area winter sports realm.

No, it won't be for basketball or wrestling.

For the first time, boys' swimming will have a conference.

With the addition of a swimming program at Poplar Bluff, the Southeast Missouri Swimming and Diving Conference was formed. The conference will consist of Poplar Bluff, Notre Dame and Central.

"This has been something I have wanted for a long time," Central coach Dayna Powell said.

Poplar Bluff coach Susan Schneider, Powell's sister, said the swimming program came out of a lot of hard work by swimming supporters throughout the area.

"This has been on our minds for many, many years," she said.

Once the Black River Coliseum construction got underway in Poplar Bluff, Schneider and many others fought and got approval for an indoor pool which facilitated the start of the program.

Notre Dame coach Lenny Kuper said he looks forward to competing in the newly formed conference, especially since it will mean more home meets for the boys.

"With the home meets you always have an advantage," he said.

The conference will give Central and Notre Dame a chance to host several more home meets this season, saving them a few trips to St. Louis, where most of their meets take place.

Kuper said the drives to the St. Louis area can be tough on the boys, especially with them having to miss class time.

"What are you going to do when St. Louis has the closest teams in the area?" he asked.

Along with Poplar Bluff, there are other possible programs in the works. Schools such as Perryville and Caruthersville have discussed a possible swimming program in the past, Kuper said.

"I think in the next few years there's a possibility of teams to add to the conference," he said.

"I hope this is just the beginning," Powell added.

With indoor facilities already in place in Farmington and Caruthersville, Schneider said she hopes these schools will follow Poplar Bluff's lead.

"It would be wonderful if Farmington and Caruthersville would start a team," she said.

While Poplar Bluff will only be participating in the minimum eight meets required to qualify for state, they should field a competitive squad. Freshman Frank Smith, sophomore John Wolpers and senior Dru Baker look to lead the group of 12 swimmers.

"They're excited but a little nervous," Schneider said of the team. "We've never done this before."

The Mules will open their season at home Dec. 4.

Central, the oldest swimming program in the area, kicks off its season today when Eurekda visits for a dual meet. The Tigers are somewhat young this season, but return three of four swimmers from two state-qualifying relay teams, and individual state-qualifier Sam Maguire, also a member of the relay teams.

"It's gonna take us a while to see where everyone is," Powell said.

Powell said with the new conference in place she can't wait to get a look at the other local teams.

"It's going to be fun to see our local teams early this season," she said, referring to Central's Dec. 4 trip to Poplar Bluff.

Central senior captain Andrew Moreton said he sees his team improving on last year's results.

"I think we should have an all-state relay team, and we should have more individual state qualifiers than last year," he said.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171

NOTRE DAME

n Coaches: Lenny and Pat Kuper

Post Season: none

Returning Swimmers: Drew Boyd (jr.), John Fisher (jr.), Stephen Hine (jr.), Jordan Kuper (sr.), Josh Lester (jr.), Mark Lester (sr.), Chad McCormick (jr.), Kenny Schmitz (soph.), John Stoverink (jr.) and Justin Voss (soph)

Newcomers : Josh Bucheit (soph.), Lance Carroll (fresh), Joe Graves (soph.), John Kiblinger (fresh.), Jameson Kuper (fresh.), Adam Prasanphanich (sr.), Adam Reinagel (fresh.), Kris Thongprang (fresh.)

Season opener: Dec. 5, dual meet at Clayton

CENTRAL

n Coach: Dayna Powell

Post Season: Qualified 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams for state. Sam Maguire qualified individually in 50 and 100 freestyle.

Returning Swimmers: Andrew Moreton (sr.), Tyler Thompson (sr.), Sam Maguire (jr.), Alex Heddle (jr.), Clay Schermann (jr.), Jackson Bollinger (jr.), Clinton Kelly (soph.), Drew Kiel (soph.), Daniel Berry (soph.), Nick Redfern (soph.)

Newcomers: Clay Tummins (jr.), Jacb White (jr.), T.J. Bishop (jr.), John Kipper (fresh.), Daniel Austin (fresh.), Jason Mercer (fresh.), Kris Metje (fresh.), Cole Crist (fresh.), Aaron Zlokovich (fresh.)

Season opener: Today, dual meet at home against Eureka