Expectations for the West Linn Lions Swim Team are high this year, especially for the girls’ team. Last season, the girls had a remarkable run, placing third overall in state and they are led by seniors Brie Balsbough and Sarah Cooper along with sophomores Laura Laderoute and Robin Pinger.

The girls have started are undefeated so far in head-to-head meets versus Grant and Three Rivers League rivals Oregon City and Canby.

Against Canby, Laderoute was able to post a 200-meter Individual Medley time of 2:13 along with a two minute, 200m freestyle time versus Oregon City. Pinger set a time of 1:08 in the 100m breaststroke while facing Canby.

The boys team has not had the same early season success as the girls, going 0-3 in the three head-to-head matchups so far. Parker Kilstrom, junior, leads the boys and still have their sights set on State.

“Sending one or two guys to state this year would be a major success,” Kilstrom said.

Kilstrom’s notable time this year was a 56 second 100m butterfly. He is inching his way closer and closer to qualifying for State.

“One of my major goals this year is to make it to State for my 100m fly and my 500m freestyle,” Kilstrom said. As a team, the Lions plan to defend their 200 medley relay championship. The team as a whole has been able to bond more this year with team dinners held weekly after meets.

“We’re more unified and that unification will make everyone around us better,” Kilstrom said.