Viewmont High swimmer Gabby Henry, who was second in the 50 freestyle at last year’s 5A state championships – while also placing fifth in the 100 free – is back to help the girls Vikings squad this year. Fellow senior Hallie Gerrard, “who is a big asset for us,” according to head coach Jessica Trauner, will help captain the girls lineup along with Madelyn Hall, Abigail McBride, Kate Moore and Veronika Paschen. The boys team is expected to be strong despite only returning two seniors in Eric Chamberlain and Rex Johnson. Chamberlain, Henry Helgesen and Gavin Smith will captain the boys side this season.

“These are some great kids and I just love coaching them and trying to help them personally excel,” Trauner, who is in her third year, said.

Trauner said juniors Isaac Hale and Andrew Webster, sophomore Henry Huddleston and freshman Thomas Chamberlain who should be key contributors to the boys squad who hopes to take the Region 5 title. “I’m really excited for this group and can see them going far in region and state,” Trauner said, noting that the girls are shooting for top 3 in the region.

At Viewmont’s first meet of the season against Layton and Farmington Nov. 3, Hale placed first in the 50 freestyle, the 100 backstroke and swam a leg on the winning 200 free relay lineup – which also consisted of Andrew Webster, Eric Chamberlain and Thomas Chamberlain – for the third-place boys. Other multiple winners were Gabby (200 Individual Medley, 100 breaststroke) and Gerrard (200 free, 100 butterfly) with Webster (first, 200 free), Eric Chamberlain (first, 100 fly; fourth, 100 breast), Gerrard (second, 200 medley relay), Thomas Chamberlain (second, 200 IM; second, 100 fly), Paschen (second, 50 free; second, 200 medley relay; fourth, 100 back), Helgesen (second, 100 back; third, 100 breast; fourth, 200 medley relay; fifth, 200 free relay), Gus Stockhoff (second, 500 free; fourth, 200 free; fourth, 200 medley relay; fifth, 200 free relay), Henry (second, 200 medley relay), Hall (second, 200 medley relay), Maya Wiemers (third, 400 free relay; fourth, 500 free), Austin Smith (fourth, 200 medley relay; fifth, 20 free relay), Gavin Smith (fourth, 200 medley relay; fifth, 200 free relay), Sarah Young (fourth, 200 medley relay; fifth, 200 free relay), Sarah Young (third, 400 free relay; fifth, 200 IM; fifth, 100 fly), Vivienne Loose (third, 400 free relay; fifth, 100 breast) and Julia Jones (third, 400 free relay) also placing top-five. The girls team was second and the program was third overall at the meet.

“We had a lot of great swims this weekend. I was very impressed,” said Trauner, specifically highlighting Maya and Gus’ breakout performances. “They did so awesome and they are setting the standards for my other freshman! They competed so well and already got the standard to be able to compete at the Thanksgiving Invite!”

The Vikings are also scheduled to compete at Herriman Nov. 7, at the Thanksgiving Invitational Nov. 17-18, at Corner Canyon Nov. 21, against Bear River and Northridge Nov. 28, at Layton Dec. 5, at the Davis District Invite Dec. 16, at Ogden Jan. 4, at South Davis Recreation Center Jan. 5, in Cedar City Jan. 12-13, at Box Elder Jan. 18 and at the Mayors Cup Jan. 19 before the Region 5 meet Feb. 9. The 5A state meet will be held Feb. 23-24 at Brigham Young University.

Also on the VHS squad this season are Tempe Anderson, Ella Backes, Isabelle Bice, Benjamin Breinholt, Colette Burnham, Joshua Cunningham, Jared Getz, Allison Hamblin, Megan Huff, Rex Johnson, Salem Khebou, Mallie Moyes, Jack Peterson, Sophie Peterson, Olivia Redd, Carter Richardson, Angela Salas Arizpe, Yolanda Salas Garza, Elle Shumway, Skye Stephenson, Gus Stockhoff, Andrew Webster, Maya Wiemers, Ammon Woolstenhulme and manager Abigail Pexton.

“It’s a really great feeling to be able to watch them do what I’ve been telling them they can do and see them progress,” Trauner said.