Fielding a small team isn't anything new to the Northampton swimming program. Over the past few seasons the Kids haven't had large teams in overall numbers, but they certainly have produced their share of success stories over the years.

Last season, senior Cassandra Hanley capped a stellar but short career with a PIAA District 11 championship and a ninth-place finish at the state meet in diving. She began swimming after an injury cut short a stellar gymnastics career.

Hanley became the fifth swimmer from the Kids' program in recent years to gain notoriety.

This season, head coach Gwen Whildin basically will have a small squad of 15 girls and nine boys. Along with Hanley, the Kids also lost seven more seniors to graduation from last year's team.

But Whildin is optimistic about the season with the addition of nine swimmers into the program as well as a few more budding prospects on the horizon.

"We have a small team, but we do have experience back in spots," noted Whildin. "We are looking forward to bringing in some new swimmers. We'll stay focused to our daily commitments, and we like our returning swimmers."

Coming back into the deep end with district experience will be junior Cory Ninos, who will compete in sprints, freestyle, and backstrokes; Nick Pavlacka, who will swim in the backstroke; and Joey Szerencsits, who will swim distance and freestyle.

On the girls' side, juniors Emma Steirer will pace the field in the IM and backstroke, and fellow junior Paige Knouse will compete in the butterfly, sprints, an freestyle.

Among those expected to make an impact will be freshman Steton Weber, fellow freshman Rachel Pursell and junior Madison Bernal.

Yet, Whildin believes her team can compete in the Lehigh Valley Conference this season simply by adhering to the program's principles.

"Our focus will be on daily commitment, the acquisition of basic technique and skills and encouragement and support of team members," said Whildin. "We have some swimmers who should have the potential to have some strong seasons."