Brandon Staley plans to tweak his approach to the postseason.
Like most high school seniors, he's preparing for college. With that comes juggling a somewhat hectic schedule.
Staley, a senior at Liberty High School, has made the necessary adjustments.
Last season, he advanced to district competition at Cleveland State University. He did it again this season as he advanced in two events in sectional action at the Ocasek Natatorium on the campus of the University of Akron. Staley competed in disricts prior to press time.
He competed in the 200-yard intermediate medley and the 500 freestyle last season - advancing to districts in both.
This season, he's swimming in the 200 IM and the 100 butterfly. However, he's dropping the 500 just for this season.
He's planning to continue with the 20-lap event in college. Staley, who plays saxophone in the Liberty High band, will major in music at Wooster or Allegheny. He plans to keep swimming at whichever college he attends.
"I think I can make district in the 200 IM," Staley said. "My main focus has been in the butterfly. I haven't been in the water as much because I've been focusing on my music and getting ready for college. I've been in the water four days a week, as opposed to five to six days. I had to drop the 500."
He said he'll need to drop a second off his time to advance to CSU. Then, he'll need to drop a half second to a second to move on to the state meet in Canton.
"I feel stronger this year than I did last year," said Staley, who practices at Youngstown State University. "My season has been going well from what I've been doing."
Liberty freshman Alyssa Schor competed on Feb. 14. She swims for a local swim club called the Neptunes.
She swam in the 100 free and 100 backstroke, but did not advance in either.
"I just hope to pull good times," she said. "I don't care to make it on to districts. I just want to do my best.
"I'm expecting to be done after this meet."
As for Staley, he's hoping the move to two divisions on the boys side helps.
"Hopefully, that give me an edge - swimming in division II with the smaller schools," he said.