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SUBURBAN SWIM LEAGUE
Rick's Picks, All Teams but Pinegate!
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SSL Teams 2006
These are the ten teams that comprise the Suburban Swim League (SSL.) |
| THE TEAM TO BEAT
Mentor Marlins Swim Team THe Mentor Marlins are repeat SSL champs, and they have plans to do it again. They have very strong 13-15 Girls, and they boast very good 11-12 Girls as well.
We all know Mentor dominates the SSL. They have the largest population to draw from (over 50,000 people), plus they are an edge city in the SSL, which means many swimmers from non-member cities (Madison, Perry, Painesville, Concord, etc.) have and do swim for Mentor. But what about everyone else? Who can make it in the SSL? Which programs are on the rise, and which are not as successful? Here is the rest of the league.
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THE CONTENDERS
Highland Heights The Hurricanes graduated a few strong swimmers from their great 2005 team. Many swimmers find themselves at the bottom of their new age groups in 2006, but the 'canes still have ideas of SSL glory this summer. |
Willoughby The Stingers were the most improved team in the SSL last summer. They have alot of great swimmers coming up through the ranks. Although they are not yet powers in every age group, they will look to challenge the top teams in 2006.
THE REST OF THE LEAGUE
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South Euclid/Lyndhurst Sea Monkeys Now two years separated from the Year of the Monkey, South Euclid/Lyndhurst will still show signs of great strength in most age groups. This team does have some glaring weaknesses that should keep them out of the title hunt, but don't discount the monkeys: they have great plans and great direction. |
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
Richmond Heights The Sharks have now finished in 5th place for two years running, and they will face fierce competition when trying to move up this year. This team has had few bright spots among their youngsters, as only a few 10 & Unders will make waves in 2006. The older kids look pretty fast this year, and they will have to rely on them if they want to challenge the top four.
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DIVISION II
Euclid The Panthers are now entering their 2nd complete season in Division II. After fighting off Wickliffe in the dual meet season to achieve the Division Championship, they look to repeat as undefeated in division this year in 2006. The Panthers lack any power age groups, and some of them are really lacking this year. Wickliffe, Pinegate, Eastlake, and Willowick are one great recruiting season away from challenging Euclid for Division II crown, and Euclid should watch out. |
Wickliffe The Water Devils Placed 8th in 2005, just barely edging out Eastlake. They were also very close to winning the Division II crown, losing a close and highly disputed match to Euclid. The 2006 team might be a bit weaker than that of '05, and they will have to be careful to not descend to the bottom of the SSL.
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Eastlake Vikings This is a team that looked like they have been on a rise for quite a while now, but they could only manage 9th at champs last August. With some great swimmers graduating, there are some questions surrounding them this year. Hopefully for Eastlake, they get some good new signees, and they are able to show something in 2006. |
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Willowick Wildkats The Willowick Wildkats are rebuilding their team, and hopefully they will be able to have something to show for their efforts in 2006. The team has definitely grown in recent years, and came very close to upsetting Pinegate at Pinegate in 2005. With the Gators @ Manry Park in 2006, Willowick will be gunning for the program's biggest win in a very long time.
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