A program is about to rise like the Phoenix.

It has sprung from a spattering of former greats.

The facilities are nil. It must borrow from a neighboring school to be able to train. Through it all, the numbers are fantastic, and more than just promising.

Marian has a swimming team. Two, in fact, boys and girls.

But it has no pool, no diving boards.

Thanks to Mahanoy Area, Marian has more than just a pool to use.

“Oh, they’ve been great to us,” Marian coach Andrea Feathers said.

There have been terrific scholar athletes that have gone on to college to earn scholarships and make an impact over the seasons from a swimming program nary a facility to properly practice in.

“We had a full schedule last season,” Feathers said. “We had meets, we competed and even went to districts. This season, we are full-fledged members in the Schuylkill League.”

Excitement abounds for the Fillies, who should be stacked in a lot of areas, with veterans up and down the events.

Feathers is looking at a pair of four-year veterans to catapult the Fillies in two events.

Senior Delaney Erickson will lead in the way in the 100-fly and 500-freestyle events. The 200-free and 100-breasstroke finds Zoe Katona. Feathers sees Katona as a threat to be a contender in the league, district and possibly the state meets.

Carlie Ankiewicz, a second-year starter, swam as an individual for Marian her freshman year and is returning to swim her senior year. Feathers also has high hopes for sophomore Lydia Strucko. Her coach says she is an all-around swimmer who has the potential to qualify for states, after making it last winter.

“I’m looking at (freshman) Kasey Evert, as a first-year swimmer, and she could be a strong competitor in the 50 and 100-freestyle for us,” said Feathers.

Last season, the Fillies went 2-8 overall and finished ninth as a team in the District 11 championships

The Marian boys should improve this winter after going 1-8 overall and, like the Fillies, finished ninth as a team in the District 11 championships.

“We’ve got some boys who competed for us and did a good job, and I think they’ll even be better this season,” Feathers said.

Michael Strucko is a well-schooled, seasoned swimmer, now entering his third season as a varsity member of the Colts team. Strucko will participate in a number of events, and is expected to qualify for states for the third time.

Two juniors – James Gomez and Reece Steibler – will bolster the 50 and 100 freestyle events. They are veterans who should make an impact. There’s also sophomore Andrew Metters, who will look to score points, as he competes in the 50-freestyle and the 100-backstroke.

Last season, accolades were gathered by Strucko in the 200-meter intermediate and the backstroke. He was also impressive in the 200-freestyle and 100-backstroke.

Michael and Lydia Strucko shared Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Swimmer of the Year honors last season.

“We make history (at Marian) with the first-ever girls and boys swim teams in the league,” Feathers said. “Though our numbers are small, we have a lot of talent.”

Truly remarkable, without facilities to enhance the talents.