By Joshua Yoder

HUNTINGDON – Hello again everyone, Hometown Sports is here with another interview with local sports athletes and coaches. Today I had an interview with Juniata College Swim coach Kyle Russell who is currently in his second season as head coach for both Men and Women teams. Hope you all enjoy!

JY: What is the biggest difference from this year’s team from last year?

KR: I think the biggest difference is our incoming freshman and transfer class this fall. They have been working really hard and are ready to make their debut. 

JY: Are there any newcomers to the team you think will make an impact on the roster this year?

KR: Absolutely, On our Men’s side we have 6 new swimmers who are all going to make an impact right away. Marshall Radonovich, Kevin Bowser, and Max Baronner are eyeing up some school records in their freshman seasons. 

On the women’s side Abby Ortiz will be an asset in the IM events, Delany Wetzel is a killer distance swimmer, Danielle Cline is a great sprinter, and local Huntingdon native Norah McClain is also going to be a huge asset to the team. 

JY: Who do you believe will have a big year for your team this season and why?

KR: I think overall we will have a lot of personal best swims throughout the season, our returners look stronger than ever and the first years have been putting in a lot of work. We look fast already for this time of year so excited to see who pops off in meets. 

Maegan Jordan is someone who I believe will have a big season ahead, she has a lot of promise and put in a lot of work off season to be in better shape than I have seen her since being her coach. She was a key contributor last season and definitely has the confidence this season in her abilities to attack the competition. 

JY: Who do you believe will be your toughest test for your team this year and why?

KR: Because we are so young I am interested to see how we  approach race days, we work very hard in practice so watching them race will be interesting to see how they execute the concepts that we work on every day. Our mid-season invite in November will give me a good gauge of where we are at with our training. 

JY: What is your main goal for your team this season?

KR: My goal for year two is to continue to improve as a team and be better than last season, improving our ranking within the conference and D3 while also continuing to keep our positive mindset and good team culture throughout the season. Juniata swim is a great group with a lot of potential, it will be exciting to see everything come together at the end of the season!

That was my interview with swim coach Russell. I personally would like to thank Coach Russell for taking the time to answer my questions. Juniata College has already started its season and is currently (1-0) after defeating Goucher College 160-69 on the Men’s side while the Women also won by the final score of 157-96.

Juniata College will travel to compete against Immaculata on Saturday October 26 at 1 p.m.