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Swimming brimming with optimism this year

Nancy McManus has been heading to the pool with her teams since December 12, and the coach likes what she sees.

McManus will pilot the Milford High and Wilton-Lyndeborough swim teams through the winter high school season, which commences for real on December 8 at Portsmouth High School.

It should be interesting on the girls side of the ledger with the Spartans.

Elaine Danas is back after placing eighth at states in the 200 freestyle.

The junior teams with classmate Calista Chappell and senior Allie DeGraffenried. Together, they made up three-quarters of top-eight combos statewide in both the 200 and 400 free relays.

Other Milford girls looking to impact upon their return are junior Kat Raiano and sophomore Erica Faucher.

On the boys side, Griffin Carpenter, Cam Mitchell, Ben Mailloux helped power the Spartan boys to an eighth-place finish at states a year ago in the 400 free relay.

They, along with junior Jack Carson, should help power the squad this winter.

“Milford is a deeper team than in the past, with more year-round and experienced swimmers,” said McManus. “I anticipate that we will have a larger state meet team than we’ve had in the past and a stronger than usual performance during the entire season.”

The Warrior swimmers continue trying to build the program behind top returners Sam Bailey and Maddy Smith.

“Wilton has five swimmers this year,” said McManus. “They are looking forward to having a girls relay.”

Milford wrestlers ready for battle

Milford High wrestling coaches Dana Bourassa and Joe Faucher are hoping the groudswell of excitement in Ricky DeBernardo’s run to the state title can carry over into 2018-19.

“We are very young and inexperienced,” said Bourassa. “Filling 14 weights is a tall order as school populations continue to decline. “

Senior top returners include: Dimitri Lynch (132), Trevor Grenier (152), Dominic Goulette (220) and Ethan Briggs (160).

“We have a very hard working team that wants to do well and genuinely enjoys our sport,” said Bourassa.

“Division II may not have the best teams in NH. However, it is clearly the most competitive division. Teams like BG, Hollis, Merrimack and Goffstown will all be very tough.

“We will take each bout one at a time and try to improve as the season progresses.”