The Trojan-Bolts returned to the pool after last year’s 18-6 season and took eighth place at the 2022-2023 season state meet.
Last week, in their season opener, the Trojan-Bolts defeated Cedar Rapids Jefferson 123-46. Ready to continue their streak, the Trojan Bolts returned to their home pool to take on Cedar Falls, whom they lost 73-97 last year.
For the 2023-2024 season, the team will adjust to a new coaching staff and the loss of seven seniors.
One of the new coaches, Head Coach Zachary Armstrong ’15, is a West alumnus swimmer and has coached all levels of swimming for eight years. Armstrong started as an assistant coach for Cedar Falls, then moved to North Central Junior High to coach both girls and boys. He joined the City High Little Hawks coaching staff for a year before becoming the West/Liberty Head Coach this season.
Assistant coach Jacob Rosenkoetter is not only new to West but new to coaching altogether. Rosenkoetter graduated from the University of Iowa in 2021 after swimming four years on the mens team before the program was cut after his senior year.
Another addition to the coaching staff is Lukas Swanson, who graduated from Liberty High School last year. He swam varsity for the Trojan-Bolts during his time on the team, and his experience as a swimmer has translated into his coaching.
“I love having Lukas as a coach. He swam with me last year so he knows how I swim, he knows what is best for me and I have a lot of respect for him as coach and friend,” Max Gerke ’24, a returning varsity swimmer, said.
Two returning swimmers to look out for are Gerke and Holden Carter ’24, who have both committed. Gerke will head down to Indiana-University Purdue-University of Indianapolis and Carter to Columbia next fall.
Congratulations to Max Gerke for signing to swim @IUPUIJagsSWD pic.twitter.com/M6WryCTrXD
— Iowa City West Athletics (@ICWestAthletics) November 8, 2023
As the season progresses, Armstrong is optimistic about his first season as head coach.
“My goals for the team would be to win the conference, win our district, and have a top 3 finish in state,” Armstrong said.
The Trojan Bolts will return to the pool on Dec. 9 at the Mercer Park Aquatic Center for the Dubuque/Iowa City Quad meet.
