Marshalltown head boys’ swimming coach Mike Loupee has an interesting team configuration this season — one composed with a majority of freshmen and sophomores.

Normally, this would constitute a rebuilding year with plenty of growing pains. But in 2021-22, Loupee is confident in the group of swimmers he has.

“In my over 30 years, I think we’ve got something new,” Loupee said. “We have 29 guys out and 15 of them are freshmen.

“Two weeks in, we’ve seen a ton of improvement. I’m pleased with the attitude, the work ethic is strong.”

The lead returners for Loupee’s group of swimmers include seniors Aaron Seberger, Marcus Barker, Stephen Blom and Andrew Kodis, as well as Marco Herrera.

Seberger, Barker and Blom competed at the state meet last season in various events, and their experience and ability will have to set the tone for the Bobcats.

Loupee had positive things to say about Barker in particular, praising his change in focus ahead of his senior season.

“Barker has swam at the state meet and has steadily improved the last couple of years, not only as a swimmer but his standing in the state,” Loupee said. “He and I had a conversation at the end of last year about what he needed to do to improve and the big thing I told him is that he needed to lift, he needed to be stronger.

“He’s come back and he’s probably put 10 pounds on right across the chest and shoulders. He’s stronger in the water, and it shows.”

A small junior class includes varsity returners Dane Petty and Carter Hunt. Hunt is trying to get back into “swimming shape” after football season, Loupee said, but he and Petty can provide solid times in a number of races.

Versatility is a theme of the team and the way Loupee talks about his group. One of his most important goals heading into the season was to not overuse Barker and some of the other heavy-hitting seniors in regular-season events. After all, the goal for the Bobcats is to get as many swimmers to the state meet as possible.

A small sophomore class is led by Brevon Gibson, Kaden Case and Cohen Thatcher, who swam with and around the varsity squad at various points last season — another reason why Loupee is happy with the depth the team has built.

“It’s an added layer,” Loupee said. “Ultimately the goal is our strongest district lineup, and we work backwards from there. We have more chess pieces on the board that I can move around.”

It’s partly because of that depth Loupee feels comfortable bringing in a few of the team’s freshman swimmers to potentially take part in varsity events during the regular season. Sam Greazel, Lincoln Barker, Michael Lechnir and Charles Gilbertson are some names Loupee mentioned as swimmers to watch.

With a strong group of returners, youngsters breaking through and a mix of versatile swimmers, the Bobcats are bringing positive expectations into their season-opener Tuesday at Southeast Polk.

The team also has a renovated swimming pool at MHS to practice in. The team will debut the revamped swimming pool facility on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. as they host Johnston.