With keiki learning to compete in Lahaina Swim Club, the future is bright for the Lahainaluna High School (above) and Maui Preparatory Academy swim teams.

LAHAINA — Now approaching 40 years in the leadership role of youth swimming here on the West Side, coach Tom Popdan maintains the growth and development of programs he has been instrumental in guiding.

At Lahainaluna High School Coach Tom, assisted by Jen Wiseman, guided both the Lunas girls and boys teams to middle of the pack finishes in the final Maui Interscholastic League standings.

Popdan noted that most of the student-athletes for the Lunas and Maui Preparatory Academy teams come up through the Lahaina Swim Club age group program and are thus split between the two schools.

“Yes, the club team fortifies both schools 100 percent. They all learn from a very young age, and it’s the best of both worlds.”

In particular he pointed to the girls team as an up-and-coming group. “They’re young, and the club team is really loaded for the future,” he said.

The Luna wahine are led by junior team captain Emily Hegrenes — a standout in the 200 freestyle and 100 breaststroke events — and classmate Maia Kapanicas, as well as a core of first-year student-athletes, including Magdalena Granillo, Isabella Higgins, Gianna Pogni and Finlay Royer.

Boys team captain Maison Alexander is the lone senior for the Lahainaluna 2022-23 team. He is joined by sophomores Jacob Gorokhovsky and Jake McGill, as well as freshman Dylan Riley.

“Maison (Alexander) in the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly events, Jake (McGill) in the 50 and 100 free events, and Jacob (Gorokhovsky} in the 200 individual medley and 100 backstroke, really stood out for us this year,” said Coach Tom. “They also did well in the 200 free and 200 medley relays.”

In conclusion, Popdan extended the team’s appreciation to Athletic Director Jon Conrad for tremendous support with scheduling and travel; Athletic Trainers Michael Griffo and Schuyler Withington; family and team boosters David Wintermeyer, Amy McGill, Jane Gorokhovsky and Kari Alexander; and all the local fans for their help.

Popdan also thanked the staff at the Lahaina Aquatic Center for top maintenance for the entire season. There were no missed practices due to availability of the facility.

“We extend our best wishes to graduating senior Maison Alexander, and look forward to next season with so many younger swimmers moving up to the high school team.”