The McQuaid Jesuit Swim Team is looking to have a strong season after an improved finish last year.

The Team had a vast improvement last year at team sectionals.  They finished 8 out of 11 teams with a team score of 132. This comes only a year after finishing 10th with a team score of 90.

Sophomore team captain Henry Smith attributes the improvement to the team’s mentality of being “motivated.” He also says that the leadership of his brother Oliver Smith, ‘18, who was an All-Greater Rochester selection for the 2017-2018 season, was a key reason.

This year along with Henry the other captain is junior Max Murray.  Henry said one of his favorite moments from last year was coming in 3rd place in the 200-yard medley relay.

“My favorite moment would be coming in 3rd at sectionals last year in a relay with Max Murray, Oliver Smith, ‘18, Julian Joseph, ‘21 and myself,” Henry said.

Along with the goal of improving this year as a team, Henry hopes to accomplish personal goals.

“My goal for this season is to make states in either a relay or individual event,” Henry said.

Henry also said that his goal this year is to get a better time in the 200-meter freestyle.

“Last year in sectionals my best time was a 1:57 in the 200-meter freestyle.  I hope to improve on that this season,” he said.

When it comes to what Henry and the rest of team are excited for, that would be the RCAC meet.

“I’m very excited for the RCAC meet this year. It is the first time we are in it since 2014,” Henry said.

With the strong returning core and leadership, the swim team hopes to pick up from last year’s success and keep improving.