WARSAW – It’s becoming a popular phrase in the sporting universe. “Next man up” has been used as hyperbole by coaches, media and fans alike as a means to forget about the past and look to the future. Often used when there is a glaring replacement needed, Warsaw’s boys swim program could incorporate the phrase to replace a historic graduating class. Or it could work with what it has, which is still pretty darn good company.

Records were made to be broken, but the record industry was fluid at Warsaw in reference to this past senior class. A class that had Jayden Parrett, Spencer Davidson and Josh Miller help rewrite close to half the Warsaw board is gone. Their mark is obvious.

“Times are definitely a-changin’,” said Warsaw head coach Tony DeBrota. “In the past, we dealt with strokes. If we want to compete, we have to adapt. Now, by no means are we starting with a clean slate, we have a lot of strong swimmers coming back. Our upperclassmen are very good. But will we make up the ground? I can’t answer that right now, but I certainly hope they do. We don’t have a Spencer or Jayden to dominate events anymore. It’s time to step up.”

To simply wax poetic about the past would be unfair to the present. DeBrota welcomes back 11 seniors in what is actually one of the deeper classes Warsaw has had in recent years.

Matt Wildman, Ethan Cook and Zach Taylor have all been involved in the recent movement, and should anchor the seniors this year. Wildman and Cook, along with Parrett and Davdison, set the school and sectional record in the 200 free relay (1:28.18) and the foursome also set the sectional record in the medley relay (1:36.46). Cook has excelled in distance events as well and Wildman has become one of the top Tiger sprinters. Taylor was the top individual medley swimmer at the sectional.

“I think last year helped us see how much potential this current senior class has,” began Wildman. “We have really pushed ourselves and we know we can be really good. I know I’m fired up to start this again this year.”

Seniors Kaleb Schneidewent, Mason Metzinger and Riley Newton all served vital roles in Warsaw’s success last season and DeBrota feels all will fill those needs once again.

Juniors Matt Hastings and Hudson Snyder also made huge strides in contribution and should be primed to take on larger roles.

Sophomores Jacob LaLonde and Nick Zogbi will be asked to also carry on a bigger workload after having strong freshmen campaigns.

Warsaw has a pair of regional divers returning in seniors Nick Bell and Tyler Paseka.

“We have a lot more depth in our program than I remember,” Wildman said. “We should be more versatile. I did really well at the end of last season, and I know a lot of these guys coming back did, too.”

Warsaw gave Northridge a run last year in the Northern Lakes Conference tournament, but depth was the issue as the Raiders were able to stack up second and third lane points. DeBrota feels that depth will likely keep Northridge ahead in the NLC races again, but likes where his Tigers are headed.

“I think we’ll be stronger in freestyle swims this year,” DeBrota said. “Personally, I would rather be stronger there than anywhere else. If you don’t have strong freestyle swimmers, you won’t score many points. Especially in this conference, there are so many good swimmers, you have to be strong in freestyle events.”

Warsaw will begin its season Tuesday at Manchester.

Wawasee Warriors

Key Returners: Logan Brugh, Jake Cowan, Ethan Knepp, Spencer Naugler, Chase Ritter, Brady Robinson, Brett Willaman

Key Losses: Danny Allen, Logan Haessig, Tristen Atwood, Mylon Betts

Key Newcomers: Jared Krugman, Jacob Krugman

Coach Robinson’s Comments: “I don’t want to point to one or two kids and say those will be my top swimmers. You never know who is going to flip a switch and develop. It’s unknown right now. We have some really talented boys on this team who are working hard. This will be a very fun group to watch as the season progresses.”

Wawasee opens up at Warsaw Nov. 28.

Tippecanoe Valley

Key Returners: Tyler Ross, Cristian Jimenez-Baca, Daniel Alexander, Chase Brower, Johnathan Engle

Key Losses: None

Key Newcomers: John Salmon, Dakota Prater, Jacob Wagner, Chris Schipper

Note: Longtime coach Buddy Busby retired following last season, opening the door for Matt Craig to take over for the Vikings.

Valley visits NorthWood to kick off its season Nov. 30.