By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

In pro sports, you often hear arguments about what team is the “team of the decade”. It happens at the college and high school level, too.

But in the River Parish Swim League, there is no debate — when it comes to any “team of the decade talk”, it begins and ends with Larayo.

The Barracudas have held the league crown every single season since 2000, meaning a victory this season would make them 10-for-10 in the 2000 era.

With the 2009 swim league season officially under way as of Monday, Larayo’s intentions are clear: maintain the streak.

Barracudas coach Michelle Jensen says she believes this team compares favorably to her other recent squads, meaning that the decade of dominance could be likely to continue.

“There’s really no reason why we wouldn’t be successful again,” Jensen said. “We’re working hard, and a lot of the kids are dedicating themselves already and looking forward to the first meet.”

Jensen expects each of her upper boys age groups — 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14 — to be team strengths this season. Ditto for the 11-12 and 13-14 year old girls.

Many of last year’s top stars are returning, such as Maggie Trepagnier, Meredith Keating, Paige Williams, Kelsie Williams, Cody Schaefer, Will East and Jacob Jensen.

They are some that highlight a roster of 185 swimmers, up from a year ago.

Two years ago, Riverlands finished second in the RPSL, but fell to third when the Stingrays suffered a tough loss to eventual second place finisher Hill Heights last season.

“We know we can do better,” said Riverlands coach Carla Lambert. “We can move back into that spot.”

But Lambert says the end result is her secondary concern at the moment. Her first in ensuring her swimmers maintain consistency in shaving off time during the season.

“As long as everyone works hard at practice, we’ll improve our times,” Lambert said. “Winning is the hope, but our goal is for our kids to make better and better times as we go on.”

Maddie Guidry and Kyle Wilking are among the team’s best returning swimmers.

Wilking is one component of the 15-18 year old boys bracket, which Lambert expects to have another strong season. Alex Zenicki, Dylan Kippes and Brian Comisky round out that age group.

Belle Terre’s had a very young team a year ago, and returns with another season of experience under a new head coach.

Former Hill Heights coach Amanda Buchanon will take command of the team, succeeding former Piranhas coach Laura Bailey.

“We’re certainly a growing team,” Buchanon said. “My main expectation, and hope, is for the kids to come out and have fun this summer.

She says she expects strong seasons from Morgan Torres, Blaine Tatje and Cassie Conners among others. Her 13-14 year old girls group should be one of the team’s top producers.

“We’re pretty deep there,” she said.