A team without a home is one of the biggest obstacles that the Mehlville boys’ swimming and diving team will have to overcome, as the pool on campus is undergoing extensive renovations. The Panthers are making the best of the situation while practicing at Affton High School with their rivals from Oakville.

“Right now, we’ve been practicing with Oakville at the South County YMCA but will be moving to Affton High School for practice before the season starts,” Mehlville head coach Mark Hromnak said. “Because we only have three swimmers, we’re going to be competing in mostly tri-meets this season.”

Senior Liam Kienbusch gives the Panthers some versatility in multiple events. He can compete in all of the freestyle swims and just about any other stroke, including the 200-yard individual medley.

“Liam is primarily a freestyler but can swim all the strokes,” Hromnak said. “I’m expecting him to swim the free events as well as the I.M.”

Eric Kraja is another senior who can swim the freestyle events, as well as the 100-yard backstroke and the 100-yard breaststroke.

“Eric is a good kid that started out with our swim lessons program when he was really, really young,” Hromnak said. “What I like about Eric is that he comes to practice every day and tries very hard. He has a great work ethic.”

This season, a newcomer to the Panthers is freshman Logan Brotherton, who should also see time in the freestyle events.

“Logan seems to be a pretty good swimmer,” Hromnak said. “I imagine that if he keeps swimming, he could achieve a lot of his potential.”

The Panthers open up the 2024 season on Tuesday at Eureka.