POULSBO — Last season, the North Kitsap High School girls swim team sent 12 to Districts and one to state.

Head coach Greg Braun hopes to keep the momentum going.

“We’ve got some kids that were right at the district level,” Braun said. “Our goal is to push them a little farther.”

A group of moderate swimmers last year are among those Braun would like to see make it to Districts this season, he said. He would also like to push a few more into the state competition.

Except for Port Angeles, Braun said his team was on the top.

Among the returning swimmers are Bethany Aban, the only state competitor for the team.

This year, Braun would like to see the relay team also continue with the success it saw making it to districts last season.

Before the team starts thinking about Districts, however, maximizing proficiency in the water will be critical. This includes balance and turns, which the team was working on during the first week of practice.

“You can work as hard as you want,” Braun said Wednesday during practice. “But if your body position isn’t right, you won’t do as well as you could.”

KHS swim team looking solid

POULSBO — The Kingston High School girls swim team tends to be a new team every year. Laura Tetrick thinks that’s beginning to change.

With 14 of the 16 swimmers returning from last season, Tetrick said she expects the team to quickly begin building upon what they already know.

“We’re going to inch up there and do better than last year,” she said. “We’re going to be closer to winning more meets; if not actually winning more meets.”

During the 2010-11 season, much of the time in the water was spent learning the basics, including flip turns and even the fundamentals of swimming.

This season, Tetrick said the team doesn’t have to start as far back.

“We’ve had a lot more fire after last season,” she said. “There are quiet a few girls who are already looking better.”