Two Juniors Leading Sharon Boys Swimmers

Two juniors will lead the boys swimming team this winter.

Nickie Cheung should have a strong season in the 200 freestyle and the backstroke, while classmate Will Sweet is "an excellent breaststroker," new head coach Jennifer Iverson says.

The Eagles 2011-2012 season opener is against Mansfield at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Randolph High School, Sharon's home pool.

"They're great leaders," Iverson said during practice Friday.

"Nickie is constantly running around saying hi to all of the new kids, getting them to feel comfortable. They're great overall leaders, in the pool and out of the pool."

Cheung and Sweet are among the returnees from last year's Sharon squad.

Juniors Dan Aspenwall and Dan Griffin are freestylers, and will swim short and middle distances, Iverson said.

Griffin also is a backstroker.

"He made a lot of progress last year. I'm looking to see him pick up where he left off," said Iverson, who succeeds Adrienne Smutko, who coached the team the past two seasons. Smutko moved away this summer. John Perry is Iverson's assistant coach.

Sophomores Eoghan Daly and Jon Dunlap will be solid in most events, Iverson said. Dunlap's strengths are the individual medley and the breaststroke, she said.

Mikey Schanz, Sharon's lone senior, will lead the divers, coached by Jennifer Dempsey.

The Sharon High diving program has several newcomers this winter, Iverson said.

"She's an excellent teacher. I've already seen a lot of progress over the last couple of weeks," Iverson said of Dempsey.