It won’t be long before boys with bleached hair will be seen walking the halls of the high school. No, it isn’t a cult, a boy band, or a bunch of Eminem enthusiasts- it’s the boys’ swim team .

Last Tuesday, the boys swim team was able to get in their first practice before Thanksgiving Break- marking the start of the Buccaneers’ swim season. For many, the start of swimming can be a bittersweet feeling; many eager for competition, yet apathetic for morning practice.

“I miss the comradery that swim season brings,” senior Tristan Tongue said. “I don’t miss feeling like crap everyday.”

Although the transition of getting back into the pool can be rough, the Bucs are confident about the season.

“There’s a lot of returning swimmers,” senior Cole Kramer said. “We’re looking big and we should be pretty good this year.”

Since qualifying for state last year in all three relays as well as in individual events, the team has graduated two key swimmers. With the loss of key swimmers and a large number of new swimmers, the Bucs are ready for the challenge.

“One of our bigger challenges will be coming closer as a team because there is so many of us,” Kramer said. “We lost two of our relay swimmers last year, coming back from that will be kind’ve difficult, but I think we’ll still qualify.”

The Bucs are maintaining their goal to make it to state and hope to make it even further than last year.

“There’s a decently sized senior class but most of our strength comes from our sophomores; key swimmers are Hayden Schouman, Brennen Latchaw and Grant Ruster,they’ll be leaders of medley relay, the free relay and some individual events,” Kramer said.

On Dec 10, the Bucs will face off against Spring Lake in their first home meet. Though they are anticipating a win, they will have some tough opponents in the conference. Rockford- a longstanding rival, and Holland West Ottawa- the runner up at states from last year, will be meets for Grand Haven to measure their progress.

“It’s the same thing every season, having the toughness to make it through,” Tongue said. “Our strength is that we will improve dramatically throughout the season because we have a great coach.”