The South Putnam High School swim team will be led by a new coach this year - Windi Hornsby

The South Putnam High School swim team will be led by a new coach this year - Windi Hornsby.

A new coach usually means a whole new program, but what Hornsby really wants the kids to do is focus on bettering themselves.

"We are going to be classy this year. I don't want these kids to worry about beating other schools, I want them to focus on getting better and beating themselves and getting better times for themselves," Hornsby said.

Horsnby has changed a few things. The Eagles now practice in the morning three times a week, doing dry land workouts with weights, something the Honrsby says she would like to kick up to five times a week.

"We are doing more dry land exercises this year to better condition ourselves and we are doing a lot of stomach exercises to focus and work on our core more," She said.

Even though this is her first year with the Eagles, Hornsby has already noticed some talent.

"Jada Buchanon is going to be a real strong swimmer for us in the 100-yard backstroke. So will Mary Earnest and Hannah Aker in the 50-yard freestyle and Annie Willard in the 500 freestyle," Hornsby said. " With the boys, Heath Pruitt should do very well in the 100 freestyle and Danny Huber will be a strong contender in the 100 backstroke. Taylor Thompson and Huber will also be two very competitive swimmers in the 50 freestyle.

"With both our boys' and girls' teams, we should have some very good relay teams this year," Hornsby said.

On the diving team this year, Coach Andy Dorsett is looking forward to what looks like a good season.

"Our boys are ready for the more difficult dives this year, but the girls will be hammering on the fundamentals this year, and they are progressing faster each day," he said "I am starting off this year in a better position than I did last year."

Dorsett has also noticed one of his divers is improving at a fundamental rate.

"Adam McCullough picked up right were he left off last season in February. He hasn't dropped off any," Dorsett said.

Both coaches have about the same goals for this year. Dorsett wants his divers to place in the top nine in the sectional and Hornsby wants to take one of her swimmers to the state meet.

The Eagles start their season today when they take on Greencastle on the road at 6 p.m.