Spring is right around the corner and that means it is playoff time for the Evanston boys swim team. The Wildkits (5-7) have had an up-and-down season. They hope to gain some consistency in Sectionals this Friday at Evanston where they will be well represented. “We’ve got our work cut out for us with New Trier in the bracket,” said Head Coach Kevin Auger. But he expresses optimism in his team saying, “I think we’ll do well. We hope to qualify at least five or six swimmers for State.”    The Sectional line-up will include Seniors Alex LaJoie and Matt Mohrenweiser, Juniors Max Behles, Matt Wich and Kevin Quinn. If all goes well, look for at least a few of the Kits to be swimming for a State title. The State meet is to be held Feb. 27-28 at New Trier.  “I’d say that besides the recent loss to GlenBrook South [on Feb. 6, 104-82], we have had a good season, better than some expected of us. We had a couple disappointing invites [losses to New Trier, 128-44, and Naperville North, 108-79, on Jan. 23 and 24], but we did well at our own [on Jan. 10, finishing 9th out of 18 teams in the Evanston Invite],” said LaJoie. “Also we beat the teams we needed to in duals to have the best record we’ve had while I have been swimming here.” That includes a third-place finish at Lake Forest on Jan. 31 in a dual meet between Evanston and Hinsdale Central.  “As a team we did not have many goals, but I think everybody wanted to beat Fenwick for the first time since we’ve been here, and we got that done [on Dec. 5, 173.5 to 135.5] Now we just have to get the six to eight swimmers to State that are capable of making their cuts,” added Lajoie.  Behles has a similar outlook. “This year our team’s goals have been to do better then we did last year as well as to make a base for next year so we can do even better.” In addition, the freshman team has improved this year. With the solid performances by freshmen Hunter Wilson, John McBratney, Wes Marberry and Mackenzie Miller, the rookies took second in the Central Suburban League Invitational.  “Our freshmen have developed really well. They may have a stretch to get to State but they may be able to help out on a relay or two,” added Coach Auger.  That leaves reason to believe next year the Kits should have a strong base as these swimmers gain more experience. Along with a strong showing in Sectionals and the State meet, the Kits should have something to build on going into the 2009-10 campaign.