With the graduation of state participants Greg Rufener, Josh Petersen and Pierce Beigh, third-year Enumclaw High boys swim and dive coach Ann Bettencourt says there are some pretty big shoes to fill, but her key returners and a handful of newcomers should pick up the slack – and more.

Back in the water for the Hornets are Shane Jackson, Travis Culp, Sam Horn, Zach Petersen, Gabe Sales, Adam Kelly and Logan Ross, as well as diver Garrett Hall.

Newcomers include talented freshmen club swimmers like Thomas Petersen, Bennon Van Hoof, Nik Stopsack and Will Cooper.

“There’s a lot of potential,” Bettencourt said. “The team has been working hard and I am very pleased with their work ethic and enthusiasm. It should be fun. We’re looking forward to the season.”

The season starts off the blocks at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday with Auburn Mountainview at the Enumclaw Aquatic Center and then continues Dec. 10 at Clover Park.

Bettencourt anticipates the league to again be tough with perennial favorites like Peninsula and Lakes to continue to run deep, but she anticipates several Hornets will see postseason action at the district and state level.

Bettencourt’s son and former EHS swimmer Chris Bettencourt will assist with this season’s program, as will dive coach Steve Bannerot.