KINGSTON – The Kingston High School swim team has come a long way in the 2008-09 season.

For many of the Buccaneer swimmers, including the four going to the state tournament today, this season was their first foray into the world of competitive swimming.

That’s why, when it was determined that seniors Andrew Hanson and Shane Hawthorne, along with freshmen Kameron Ashley and Adam Kerstein, had qualified for state in the 400 freestyle relay, their coach called it “unexpected.”

“The guys were pretty shocked too,” said KHS swim coach Celia Ozereko. “You never really expect allocations to happen. Especially when the field is so strong.”

The group will compete as one of 16 relay teams this morning in the tournament taking place at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.

If they make it past the first round, they will advance along with seven other teams to the finals on Saturday.

“Sure I’ll be surprised if they make it back for finals,” said Ozereko. “But I’ll also be ecstatic.”

Kingston placed fourth as a team in the West Central District III meet leading up to the state tournament. No matter what happens in Federal Way, Ozereko says she is already proud of how much her swimmers have grown.

“They’ve made so many improvements,” she said. “I just want them to have fun and swim their best.”