Orono-Mound Westonka Boy's Swim and Dive Team Ready to Defend Conference Crown

By Pat Henning Strother

The Orono-Mound Westonka (OMW) co-op boy's swim and dive team prepares for its upcoming season beginning with Winter Sports Night on Monday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Orono High School.

The meeting will take place in the media center located on the north side of the building. Students and parents can enter through door H23 at the front of the school and will have an opportunity to meet with head coach Pete Buecher, who returns for his thirteenth season.

“The OMW swim and dive team is an incredible group of young men who work hard together and have a lot of fun,” commented Buecher. “I encourage any athlete who has an interest in being a part of a top-flight team and wants a new winter sport or is looking to get into top-notch shape for spring sports to learn more about the team at Winter Sports Night.”

This year’s team captains Orono seniors Spencer Cumming and Mitch Miller are joined by Mound Westonka seniors Ryan Strother and Merv Moorhead as the team seeks to defend their Conference Championship for three years running.

The team welcomes students of any ability from grade 7-12. For captains Miller and Strother, this season marks their sixth together as they both joined the team in seventh grade.

“It’s been a lot of hard work but fun too,” said Miller, “Every year brings a new challenge with it.”

Strother echoed the sentiment.

“We are there to compete but also like to have fun," he said. "This should be a great season.”

Practice begins Monday, Nov. 26. The team hosts its first meet, the Conference Relay Jamboree, at home on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

Interested athletes from Mound Westonka and Orono can download registration forms from the Orono website (www.orono.k12.mn.us) and return them to the Orono school office or turn them in at Winter Sports Night on Nov. 5.

Inquiries about the team can also be emailed to the OMW Booster Club at path@scgpr.com.