Not Souderton.
When the team finished seventh in the PIAA Class AAA Swimming and Diving Championships last winter and didn't lose any top competitors, there may not be too many changes that need to be made.
Bauer takes over for Terrence Nesensohn, who left after three seasons. Bauer is no stranger to the girls' team as he was coach of the boys' team last season and worked side-by-side with Nesensohn. Bauer will now coach both teams in 2007-08.
"Our coaching philosophies are similar," Bauer said. "We will use what I believe to be right combinations of working out on dry land and swimming. Hopefully, we can just build on what we did last year."
Bauer says he wants to stay with what has worked in the past with the team. Being a Souderton graduate, Bauer knows the program.
"I stressed a little more stroke technique than they were used to, but overall, we're sticking with a successful formula," Bauer said. "We're looking for the kids to continue to excel and improve."
Souderton has a strong, experienced foundation to work with this season. Junior Paige Whitmire placed second in the PIAA Class AAA 100-yard backstroke with a time of 56.8 seconds. Junior Angela Severn was ninth in the 100-yard freestyle at 52.8 and also competes in the breaststroke.
Junior Ashley Kichline returns at backstroke and freestyle. Senior C.J. Corcoran provides experience in both the 100-yard breaststroke and individual medley.
Those four swimmers look to return to the PIAA tournament for the second straight year.
"We'd like to take all girls back again (to states) and maybe a couple more," Bauer said. "In the past, girls swim teams at Souderton have been dominant. I think we can really put ourselves back into the elite at states."
Junior Arielle Frye and sophomore Mariel Kush are also top returnees for Souderton at freestyle and butterfly, respectively.
"Our team is hoping to finish just Continued from page 12
as good, if not better," Corcoran said. "Having not lost anyone - our team consisted of juniors, sophomores and freshmen last year - we're ready to compete at states."
The team returns all four girls from the 200-yard freestyle relay team that finished third at states last year.
It didn't take long for the Indians to get re-acclimated with each other. Friday night, the foursome of Severn, Corcoran, Whitmire and Doll broke the Central Bucks East carnival meet record in the event - a record that stood since 1979.
"Before the event, I said to the girls, 'we all know we have a special group of girls. Let's let everyone else know how special,'" Bauer said. "They certainly responded."
Both Bauer and Corcoran said experience will be a major factor for this year's squad. They cannot stress enough how important it was to have everyone return to the team.
One more year together brings the squad closer together, especially on a relay team where knowing each other's strengths and styles are beneficial.
"Going into competition, we're a lot more comfortable," Corcoran said. "We know what to expect. We've done it at least once before. Being that familiar with each other is really going to help us this year."
Souderton finished 12-2 overall and 7-0 in the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
The Indians are looking for big things this year from each of their top swimmers. While they basically steamrolled through the SOL-Continental last season, Corcoran says they cannot take any team lightly. They especially look forward to a nonleague meet against Parkland and the school's archrival North Penn.
"Obviously the state of Pennsylvania is very competitive," Corcoran said. "We don't have too many challenging league meets but I think it's just as important not to assume any easy win. We're always ready for a challenge."
The ultimate goal has always been and continues to be to improve on their performances in the PIAA tournament.
Having more experienced team comes more expectations. Bauer says he wants to optimize the potential of each of his swimmers.
"We welcome that experience with open arms," Bauer said. "I think they are starting to realize how good they really are. Hopefully, we can channel their energy into some special things in the water."