Published January 13, 2021
LYNNFIELD — It is safe to say that the Lynnfield High girls’ and boys’ swim teams are happy to be back in the pool, even to get ready for what will surely be a challenging 2021 season.
“At first, it looked like we wouldn’t even have a season, so the fact that we are able to has everyone very excited,” said head coach Jeff Boyd. “I’m shocked at how many kids not only came out for the team, but also how positive they have been given everything that is going on.
“Our practices look a lot different because of the new regulations put forth by both the MIAA and the YMCA where we swim. It’s been challenging as a coaching staff to coordinate daily operations to meet these new requirements, but I think we have a good system in place and the kids have been amazing.”
The Pioneers will also have to get used to swimming in front of empty stands this season, but no matter what the 2021 season throws at them, they will be ready, so long as it means they can compete as a team again.
“Allowing these kids the opportunity to participate in sports in any capacity is so important to them socially and emotionally. I can’t describe how excited the kids were when we were able to confirm that the season was going to happen,” said Boyd. “As an adult, it’s been a tough stretch since this all happened so I can only imagine how tough it has been on these kids. This season isn’t about wins and losses. It’s about being able to do what we love in interscholastic athletics. Everyone wins this year by just getting this opportunity.”
The girls’ team will be led by senior captains Avery Comeau and Michelle Miller. The boys’ co-op Lynnfield-Wakefield team will be led by captain Alex Kent from Wakefield.
The Pioneers will surely miss getting the chance to compete at state meets this year, changing some of the team’s typical goals. Goals that won’t change include the drive to improve each meet.
“It is definitely disappointing that sectionals and states are not going to take place, but given the circumstances we are all really grateful to be able to swim this winter,” said Boyd. “I know a lot of leagues were not as fortunate as us, so we’re going to just make the most of what we have been afforded.
“As always, our goal is to do the best we can and be the best student-athletes and coaches that we can.”
Both Pioneer teams will challenge the league’s best. The CAL continues to have strong swim teams, but Lynnfield knows they have the talent and competitors to swim with anyone.
“The league has become increasingly leveled out over the years, so it’s really anyone’s guess which team will be stronger than the other. I’m confident that we will be competitive against everyone. We look really good in practice so far, so I think we may surprise some people. We lost a lot to graduation last year, but this year’s group of kids are working as hard as ever. They will be fun to watch.”
