Ridgeview is working to replace two swimmers from a top-performing boys relay team.

The Ravens bring back junior Ben Hucke and senior Reed Pozzi from the team that finished fifth in the 200-yard freestyle relay and sixth in the 400-freestyle relay at the 2016 Class 5A state meet. But they must replace Tate Lighthall and Hucke’s brother, Owen, who individually finished sixth in the 50 freestyle at state.

Last season was the first time Ridgeview sent boys relay teams to state.

The Ravens had some strong relay performances Dec. 10, at the meet they played host to. Pozzi and Ben Hucke were joined by Daniel Maggiora and Jay Wymer in tying Mountain View for first in the 200-medley relay and finishing second in the 200 freestyle relay, three seconds behind Bend.

Pozzi also won the individual 200 freestyle with a time of two minutes, 14.34 seconds, more than a second and a half faster than second place Matthew Howell of Bend.

Jeff Vallie, who has coached the Ravens all five seasons the school has competed, said he plans on having “swim-offs” for the final spots on the relay teams each week.

Having five swimmers capable of competing in the relays is a nice problem to have, Vallie said.

“My hope is that we’ll get those five guys fired up and training hard,” he said. “It’s not a right to be on a relay team, it’s a privilege that you fight for.”

Pozzi, a senior, said he hopes he and Hucke can set an example for the rest of the team.

“I’d say it’s not so much people filling in the gaps, as it is where can we improve our times and where can other people step into where we were?” he said.

The Ridgeview boys finished fourth overall in the six-team Raven Classic with 49 points, with Bend winning the meet with 100 points. Redmond High was third with 50 points.

On the girls side, Ridgeview was sixth with one point. First-place Bend had 125 points and Redmond was fifth with 12 points.

Vallie said he is more concerned with how the team progresses toward the district meet in February than the results of early races.

“I tell the kids don’t worry about the times you swim,” he said. “We’re building to be fast in February. Work on things so that in February you don’t have to think about it, you’re automatically doing it.”

Hucke has a good chance to make it to state individually, and Vallie hopes others will get some at-large bids because of the strength of the Intermountain Conference.

“I think the IMC is known as the fastest conference in 5A for swimming,” he said. “We generally get more of the at-large bids for state.”

Hucke wants to use the early meets to get a feel for what he is capable of, he said.

“Just sort of see what my strengths and weaknesses are,” he said.”So come February, I’ll know what I need to give my all in.”

Other returners that could contribute include boys Reese Martin and Sam Flitner, and girls Tristy Osbon and P.J. Lighthall.

Overall, Vallie is pleased with how the program has progressed in five years, though he would like to see Redmond get a second indoor swim center to give kids more time to train.

The 2016-17 team has an all-time high of 21 swimmers, though they would like to have more than the seven girls they now have. But it is better than Ridgeview’s first season in 2012-12, when the team only had nine total swimmers.

“I think we’re doing a great job,” Vallie said. “The kids are starting to come out for swimming. We’re getting faster, starting to compete with the larger schools.”

Pozzi is pleased looking back at his four years with the Ravens.

“It’s been nice to see the program grow, especially last year,” he said. “Only having swimming for four years and placing at state was such a cool thing. I’m sure everybody would like to see us be so successful again.”

— Reporter: 541-548-2186, gfolsom@redmondspokesman.com