The Pine Bush boys’ swimming and diving team had a strong season last year that saw them qualify two swimmers for the New York State Federation meet: Tomek Oakes and Bryce Sloley.

The Bushmen finished with a 10-1 dual meet record and were third at last year’s Section 9 championship meet and return both Oakes and Sloley to the fold this year.

Both Oakes and Sloley swam individually at the NYS Federation championship meet. Oakes swam both the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard freestyle, where he took 40th and 28th respectively.

Sloley finished 41st in the 100-yard butterfly at last year’s state meet.

They also teamed with Jack Vuksanovich and Dominic Licardi to finish 24th in the 200-yard freestyle relay, and with Liam Blackwell and Licardi to take 31st in the 200-yard medley relay.

With their key swimmers returning, the Bushmen are looking to compete with the upper teams in the league.

The Bushmen also expect the return of Kaeden Fisher, who finished 21st in the 1-meter diving event at last year’s state meet.

“We’re just looking to work hard and be competitive,” Pine Bush coach Kevin Blackwell said.

The Valley Central Vikings weren’t as successful last year as they look to rebuild under second-year coach Thomas Plitsch, after finishing 3-6 last year and 13th at the Section 9 championship meet.

They’ve lost key swimmers including Tim and Tom Grabinski, Liam Geiger, Michael Dattorre, Jayden Robinson, Niko Avallone, Gabe Hernandez, Pat Feller and Nate Daley.

Returning are Erik Frankl, Noah Storaska, Dan Osekavage, Dardan Cenalia, Adam Elkashef, Lucas Dunn and Caleb Sahlstrom. New swimmers joining the team will include Ethan Johnson, Ethan McPhillips, Lucas Drake, Logan Drake, Thomas Hill, Lucas Daubel and Tim Drake.

“We hope to continue to rebuild, train hard and improve on the 13th place finish at the Section 9 championships last year,” Plitsch said.