The 2017 Bluffton Sardines are swimming off to a great start. And there are a lot of them, 150 to be exact. This is an increase from last year’s team of 138.

 “In the last three to four years the interest in swimming as a sport in Bluffton has just exploded,” said Jennie Wilson, president of the Bluffton Sardines swim club. “The Western Ohio Aquatics League (WOAL) is fun and competitive and allows for swimmers of all skill levels to participate.”

The Sardines opened the 2017 season on June 8 away at Kenton and won that meet 777 points to Kenton’s 518 points. CLICK HERE FOR INDIVIDUAL RESULTS.

“Not only are our swimmers competing in the summer months, but almost a third of our team continues to swim in the winter with local YMCA teams,” said Wilson. “Year round swimming is helping our Sardines stay strong and competitive all year.”

Returning for his second season as head coach is Bob Verb, and his coaching staff includes assistant coaches Kyla Dawson, April Dorman, Delaney Reineke and Maddison Wilson.

Seniors on the team this year include Levi Mikesell, Cole Wilson and Connor Dawson from Bluffton and Andrew Ross from Jenera.

The Sardines travel to Shawnee Country Club on Monday, June 12 before opening their home season on Thursday, June 15 against Van Wert. The home meets begin at 6 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

For more information and to track team results, visit https://www.teamunify.com/recbst