Jen Seluk isn’t about to dwell on the past.

Sure, her Estero High swimming program lost state champion and U.S. Olympic Trial qualifier Tayler Dubrasky to graduation, but there is still plenty to be excited about with the 2008 crew.

"I feel the team is getting stronger each year. Every year I see progress," said Seluk. "I see us getting closer to being one of the better teams."

Eleven boys and 16 girls comprise the Wildcats squad, the most in Seluk’s three seasons as coach. She is thrilled with the turnout.

"We’re getting bigger. We’re growing every year. The more the merrier. I love that saying," said Seluk, a 27-year-old former standout at Cypress Lake, where she won two state championships in the 200 individual medley.

Last year Kyle Snew and Dubrasky’s sister, Molly, were freshman phenoms for the Wildcats. Despite their young ages, Snew and Molly Dubrasky — both of whom also swim for Gulf Coast Swim Team — knocked at the championship door last season. In the 200 IM, Snew finished second at districts and third at regionals. He also earned third place in the 500 free at districts.

Meanwhile, Dubrasky rang up a slew of seconds in the 200 and 500 frees at districts and regionals, finishing behind Cypress Lake star and GCST teammate Chelsea Franklin each time.

At states, Snew and Dubrasky didn’t crack the top eight in their events, something Seluk hopes will change this year.

"Last year we got the freshmen jitters out of the way. I think now we’re all pushing for top three at state," she said.

The Wildcats’ talent pool extends beyond Snew and Dubrasky.

Backstroke standout senior Eddwie Perez will be looking to better his second and fifth place finishes in the 100 at last year’s districts and regionals, respectively. Juniors Nils Langenhagen and cross country star Erick Montoya will be key parts on the Wildcats, who also received a significant boost with the transfer of sophomore Alex Latorre from Canterbury.

On the girls squad, Dubrasky, senior Chelsea Dimes and junior Jessica Selle lead a solid core. Seluk said newcomer Leah Petrizzo has been impressive in the early going.

Reach Kevin Johnson at 213-6014 or kkjohnson@bonitanews.com