As winter break unravels and spring semester begins, the Bear Cubs’ swim and dive team is back in the pool looking to replicate their state championship from last year.

Sophomore diver Robert Coxon placed 11th in the state finals last season and expects to improve this year. After botching a dive in the state finals, Coxon looks to rebound and work on form this spring.

“Focusing on keeping calm and concentrating on my dive more,” Coxon said. “Basically staying composed and keep your poise throughout your dive.”

Only about one-third of the state championship team is returning. Preparing the other two-thirds of the team will be a daunting task for the fourth-year head coach Nolan Irwin.

Irwin, a well-decorated All-American on both boards, is coming off winning the CCCAA State Diving Coach of the Year award in 2012. He’ll have his hands full this season with new divers and looks forward to the task at hand.

“Talent doesn’t just erupt, it’s built over time and a lot of diving,” Irwin said “One of my seasoned veterans has been diving since he was seven years old.”

Irwin’s outlook on the season is bright; he believes the team is good enough to place top five in state.

“I wouldn’t be upset if we were top four or five in the state finals this year, I would be very happy with third,” Irwin said. “The actual size of the team is a lot smaller than last years.”

Freshman diver Vincent Bouquet has a positive attitude and does not feel any extra pressure since the team is coming off of their state championship title.

“I’m going to learn the basics and have fun,” Bouquet said.

The team looks to start the season strong with their first meet at SRJC at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 1 in the Quinn Swim Center.