After placing 13th at last year’s state championships, the Lindbergh boy’s swimming and diving team is looking to fill some big voids left by last year’s graduating class.

“We lost some depth for sure from last year’s team and we’re still learning about our freshmen but I think they’ll definitely give us support and depth in duals and at conference,” Lindbergh head coach Tim Lombardo said. “The guys coming back are going to have to really step it up and I think our relays are going to depend on how well our junior class does.”

Senior Brett Ninneman is a distance freestyle, backstroke and individual medley specialist that saw action on the Flyers’ relay squad at last year’s state championships.

“He’s a pretty versatile swimmer,” Lombardo said. “He now has some experience at state and we’re hoping he grows into that senior leadership role this year.”

Junior Colin Rolwes is a sprint freestyle specialist that will also be an important piece to Lindbergh’s relay team success.

“I believe that Colin’s going to have a big year for us in the relays,” Lombardo said. “He came into the season in really good shape and I think he could have that breakout junior year for us.”

Another junior that could have a breakout season according to the Flyer’s head coach is Nick Turner.

“Nick is very versatile like Brett in that he can swim the 100 butterfly, 100 breaststroke, the individual medley as well as the 500 freestyle,” Lombardo said. “His stroke has gotten cleaner and he’s become physically stronger and we can already see the difference this year.”

Junior Luke Donze is a sprint freestyle specialist that will also see time in the butterfly and backstroke events.

“Luke had a very good sophomore season,” Lombardo said. “I think that another season of training will give him some very good times come time for the state championships.”

Two seniors that Lombardo believes will be keys to Lindbergh’s success at the conference championships are Harrison Stout and Riley Wahlig.

“Harrison had a very good junior year at conference and he may make a state relay this year,” Lombardo said. “Riley works hard and is a great teammate that could make top 16 at conference this year in the 100 backstroke.

Juniors George Moran and Ryan McCray are also key pieces to Lindbergh’s success.

“Both are important depth guys  and have a chance to be on our state relays this year,” Lombardo said. “For us to be good this season, we’ll need guys like George and Ryan to step things up for us.”