Source: C & G Sports

Author: Mike Moore

FARMINGTON HILLS — So many similarities, yet so much change.

That’s the 2015 Farmington Hills Mercy swim team, according to long-time coach Shannon Dunworth.

A year ago, he bid farewell to one of his most successful senior classes ever.

This fall, he launched into a new era of excitement, and what the Marlins hope is a strong continuation of tradition.

“And that’s always fun,” Dunworth said. “It’s like you chop the big tree down and the smaller trees see some more sun.”

Those big trees certainly laid some strong roots too.

Last year’s graduating class won two state titles, four Catholic League titles, four Oakland County championships, and didn’t lose a single dual meet or invitational in all four years.

“We’re a significantly different team than we’ve had in the past.” Dunworth added. “But there’s some great competition here.”

And while it’s taken some time, the Marlins are starting to figure it out.

Despite some early losses, the team brought it all together at the county championships, picking up a title for the 11th consecutive season.

“Every year is different, but there’s a need to carry on the tradition that’s here,” said senior Ellyse Conn. “We love it being different. We’re a group of sisters. There’s a certain dynamic that keeps us going.”

“We’re growing, and we’re getting better — that’s the key,” junior Alaina Skellett said during an Oct. 9 practice after school. The Flint resident is one example of the commitment the girls have to the team, leaving her house at roughly 4:30 a.m. a couple times a week for morning practice. “We’re working hard to get better. We’re building this team up.”

And that’s the key moving forward for Mercy, which has already qualified 11 different individuals for the state finals.

“I don’t know if there is a specific ceiling for this team,” Conn said. “I think we can still get better. I think the (Oakland County) meet was a stepping stone to what we think we are capable of.”

“This state meet is going to be a lot of fun,” Dunworth said. “Two weeks ago I didn’t know if we could contend. Now I really think we could be in that top three or four. But our goal is to be competitive. If we can do that, we’ll be all right and see what happens.”