By Satina Tolman
For The New Era
The Sweet Home High School swim team has grown used to racing at the front of the pack. Last winter, the program delivered one of its strongest showings in recent memory – the boys finished 5–2, taking second at districts and seventh at state, while the girls went 6–1, claiming the district title and placing second in the 4A/3A/2A/1A state championships.
But as the Huskies dive into a new season, head coach A Jay Bronson knows the lanes ahead will look different.
“We graduated 11 seniors,” Bronson said. “That’s always a big hit. I’d love to say we’re going to win districts again, but it’s going to be a much harder road this year. It’s possible – just not a lock like it has been.”
It’s also an unusual year for Sweet Home, at least recently: The boys outnumber the girls 10 to seven.
That’s a lighter turnout than the coach prefers. Ideally, he said, programs thrive with 10 to 14 swimmers per squad, giving teams the depth to pick up crucial fifth- and sixth-place points.
“Swimming is a numbers sport when you get down to it,” Bronson said. “We might win a lot of events, but we may not always have the depth to win meets. Still, the smaller roster means more one-on-one time with our swimmers, and that can really help individual development.”
Returning Firepower, New Faces
The Huskies are far from starting over.
On the girls’ side, sophomore Khloe Sautel, a returning state champion in the 500 freestyle, headlines the group. Sweet Home also expects strong pushes from senior Kylie Melkvik, junior Lexi Rundell, and junior Ella Haggas, all of whom could be state qualifiers.
The girls roster also includes sophomore Emma Whitton and freshmen Persephone Brookfield and Sadie Dalton. Bronson said the freshmen are already showing varsity potential.
For the boys, Bronson hopes to send multiple relays to state and expects leadership from four key returners: senior Andrew Tolman, junior Austyn Hogan, junior Henry Jones, and sophomore Grayson Savri.
“We think the boys have a real chance to medal in relays,” Bronson said. “Andrew, Grayson and Austyn – they all have the potential to reach the podium individually too, if they put in the work.”A welcome influx of juniors buoyed the boys’ roster, thanks to successful recruiting by team captains.
Ethan Hernandez, a junior who stands 6-5, caught Bronson’s attention early. “Height helps in every aspect of the sport,” he said. “He’ll be a good one to watch.”
Freshman Marshal Van Dijk has also impressed with what Bronson called “incredible work ethic.”
Also on the roster are juniors Hackett Hotchkiss and Thomas Culbertson, and freshmen
Westin Burns and Mack Martineau.
Setting the Bar
With depth thinner than in recent years, Sweet Home is shifting its focus.
“A successful season would be about best times across the board,” Bronson said. “If we can qualify two relays each for boys and girls and get four or five individuals to state, we’ll be happy.”
Bronson said reaching the second day of the state meet – and stepping onto the podium – would be a major accomplishment for a team rebuilding on the fly.
The first meet of the season resulted in wins for both the boys and girls teams. The Huskies kicked off their schedule Friday, Dec. 5, with a home meet against Blanchet Catholic, Stayton, Sisters and Kennedy. Head coach Bronson said he was surprised by the outcome, noting the level of effort on display throughout the afternoon.
“Kids did an amazing job. I was not expecting a win on either side and for both of them to come out with one. That’s incredible,” Bronson said.
The Huskies’ depth proved crucial as swimmers delivered strong races across multiple events. Bronson said the team posted “phenomenal swims all the way around,” including 15 personal bests not counting first-time swims. He added that the early success reflects the work the athletes have put in and gives the program momentum heading into the rest of the season.
“Couldn’t be more proud of where we are and excited as to where we are in the season,” Bronson said. “Looking forward to seeing how the rest of it shakes out.”
Their next meet will be a home dual against Marist Catholic on Friday, Dec. 19.
Schedule Highlights
One of the marquee moments of the winter arrives Jan. 3, when Sweet Home hosts the “Peargin Plunge” Sweet Home Invite, named in honor of longtime coach Doug Peargin. Beyond being a home showcase, Bronson said the meet gives the Huskies a rare and valuable look at contenders from outside their district.
“It’s a great chance to see what teams around the state have to offer,” he said. “I’m excited to see how we stack up and get a taste of what state might look like this year. It really helps us measure where we are and what we need to work on.”
Sweet Home hosts invitationals again on Jan. 16, Jan. 23 and Jan. 31 before a dual against Salem Academy on Feb. 6. The postseason begins Feb. 13–14 at the Special District 4 Championships in Albany.
The second annual alumni meet – a “Green vs. Gold” showdown – will take place the day after Christmas. Bronson expects it to be one of the most spirited days of the year. Last year’s inaugural event drew some 26 Huskies from the past, including school record-setters and state champions.
Staff Steeped in Experience
As Sweet Home gears up for another winter in the water, the team is guided by one of the most seasoned and dedicated coaching groups in Oregon.
Head Coach Bronson enters his 15th year of coaching high school swimming, his fifth at Sweet Home, and is joined by returning assistant coaches Jess Rice (seventh year) and Mark Cirkosz (fourth year). Rounding out the staff is legendary Doug Peargin, now in his 57th season coaching, 51 of them at Sweet Home.
Together, the coaching group brings roughly 83 years of combined swim-coaching experience and, as Bronson notes, a shared commitment not only to team success but to helping each athlete grow as an individual.
Leadership in the Lanes
This year’s student captains Andrew Tolman, Austyn Hogan and Kylie Melkvik have already made their presence felt.
“They’ve done a great job recruiting and setting an example,” Bronson said. “At practice, they’re talking, encouraging their teammates – what you want from leaders.”
Tolman was named “Swimmer of the Meet” at the first meet of the season and said he is hopeful, “Despite losing over half of our team last year, I believe we can still do good this year, even with half of our swimmers being new to the team. I have already seen so much iEven with a smaller roster, Bronson believes the Huskies have the heart and hunger to make the most of every race.
“I’m hopeful,” he said. “They’ve been working really hard. If they stay committed, I think we’re going to surprise people.”
