The swim team is looking good again this year, with Josh Blacker as one of the captains at the helm this winter. The freestyle and back-stroker has been swimming since he was eight years old, and this year proves to be no different. Blacker predicts another great season this winter, adding that the team will hopefully make states and sectionals with their relay team, and that Blacker himself will qualify for states in the 100 yard freestyle and backstroke.

Despite the hour long practice where they swim typically 2,000 to 4,000 yards, Josh says that the atmosphere of the team is awesome. “It’s the most kids we’ve had in a while, and we didn’t lose too many seniors. I think we can do better in the Patriot League this year,” Blacker said.

Josh leads the team with fellow captains Jody Walls and Tess Walter. “Josh is a great captain,” Walter said. “He’s a good example for the younger kids and a strong swimmer for them to look up to. He’s been doing this for three years already.”

The fantastic turnout this winter is due to a few key factors. “Everyone loves Boopa, our coach. And she’s doing all the right things, so it should be a good season.” Blacker also said that the new location, the Raquet Club in Cohasset, has attracted more swimmers as it is much closer than the previous winters’ trek to Quincy every day. With the new location, the team is bigger and they have more time in the pool to practice.

Blacker says that some school that he has applied to have a team that he could swim with in college next year, but adds that it really depends upon the school.

While he is a natural swimmer, Blacker said that he does have influences from his family. His father was a swimmer in college, a three time New England champion in fact, and he swam the same events that Josh does this year. He not only looks up to his father, but to Nathan Adrian and Michael Phelps as well.

Although swimming is a big part of Blacker’s life, he pursues many other interests outside of school. He enjoys hanging out with his friends, playing football and basketball. He also is passionate about music, and said that music is the best way for him to pump himself up before his meets. That, and simply hardcore focus.

The swim season has just begun, and Blacker is eager to begin his last season as a Scituate Sailor swimmer.