As Raytown High School’s boys’ swimming team heads into the 2025 season, Head Coach Jim Aziere is focused on player development, rebuilding the roster, and fostering team unity despite facing new challenges.
Offseason Focus: Building Strength and Understanding Strategy
This offseason, the team’s primary focus is getting back into competitive swimming shape and understanding different swimming techniques and strategies. With the recent addition of middle school swimming in the district, there is also an emphasis on developing younger swimmers who may transition into the high school program.
Special Offseason Events: Unique Team Bonding Activities
Coach Aziere has already met with next year’s captains and has held individual meetings to discuss team expectations. As part of the team’s bonding experience, swimmers will participate in a trout fishing trip—an event that was successfully introduced last year. Before the pandemic, the team also had a 40-year tradition of a float trip down the Buffalo River in Arkansas and hopes to revive similar activities in the future.
Notable Additions & Roster Changes
Raytown is facing a major roster overhaul, having lost five seniors, including its best swimmer, who was recruited by another school. The upcoming season will feature the smallest roster Coach Aziere has had in his 51 years of coaching boys’ swimming. Additionally, there is currently no assistant coach on staff, making the recruitment of new swimmers a priority for the program.
Strength & Conditioning: The Role of Water
In past years, playing water polo in the spring was an essential part of the team’s training, helping athletes develop their leg strength and sprinting abilities. However, due to a lack of interest from other schools and coaches in the region, water polo has not been as prevalent in recent years. Despite this, the team is still focused on strength-building exercises to enhance endurance and competitive performance.
Nutrition & Wellness: Teaching Healthy Habits
Coach Aziere takes a unique approach to nutrition education. Every athlete on the team eats dinner at his house during the season, giving him insight into their eating habits and allowing for individual guidance on nutrition. Additionally, hydration and healthy eating habits are discussed in team meetings to ensure that players maintain peak performance.
Coaching Philosophy: Facing the Challenges Ahead
Unlike teams with access to year-round club programs, Raytown faces a competitive disadvantage due to the lack of club swimming in the area. Many top-tier high school programs benefit from club-affiliated swimmers, making it difficult for Raytown to compete at the highest levels. Despite this, Coach Aziere is committed to developing homegrown talent and keeping the program competitive.
Biggest Challenges: Navigating a Transition Year
With a smaller-than-usual roster and no assistant coach, this season presents one of the toughest challenges in Coach Aziere’s long and decorated career. However, with a focus on team unity, skill development, and strong leadership, the Raytown High School boys’ swimming team is determined to rise above these challenges and make the most of the 2025 season.
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