Liberty’s boys’ swim team had a head start on the season with an EPC nonscheduled meet against Whitehall that was won by the Hurricanes, 168-71, on Saturday at Liberty.

“It’s good [to be back]. I wouldn’t miss this season for the world,” said Hurricane senior Jake Evert. “I don’t swim club because I love these coaches, and you see the kids, everyone’s dancing around. I love this place.

Hurricane teammates Ben Service, Dylan Zukawski, Jonathan Drago, and Sam Capwell had a strong start in the 200 medley relay, placing first with a time of 1:50.19.

Liberty freshman Addison Collins won the 200 free with a time of 2:04.76 and the 500 free with a time of 5:29.80, Yousef Ismail won the 200 IM with a time of 2:24.18 and the 100 free with a time of 53.86, and Evert took first place in the 100 fly in 54.42 and the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:02.69.

Evert, who is a district champ in the 100 free, will attempt to break some backstroke records, among others, this season.

“Records are pushing me, my coaches are always on me to go faster, but mainly, myself. It’s always hard when you’re racing and there’s not someone right next to you. I used to always race Robert [Negron], but now I’m just racing the clock pretty much,” Evert said. “But it’ll be all right, and I’m looking forward to the competition at districts and states. I have a lot to focus on. I’m trying to break Rob’s records in the 50, my own records in the 100, and break the 100 back records.”

The Hurricanes also won the 200 free relay with Zukawski, Evert, Capwell, and Drago finishing with a time of 1:33.73, and the 400 free relay with Service, Collins, Ismail, and Evert finishing with a time of 3:30.63.