AUBURN - The Auburn Stingrays have really solidified into a strong, competitive team in recent years.

They have just completed their fifth straight undefeated season.

According to coach Jim Clary, this is due in no small part to the hard work of every team member and the unique approach the coaching staff has adopted.

"First and foremost we work on each individual so they can improve on their own level," Clary said. "Once a swimmer is more advanced it is more difficult for them to improve incrementally so we work a very long time for one or two chances to go really fast. I didn't create the model, but I believe in it and follow it and try to coach every day like it is a meet."

Along with this coaching strategy, Clary believes in a system of rewards for accomplishments.

"It is unique," Clary said. "With the help of parents we keep a database of each swimmer's time in each event through the season. And as they each improve and beat their personal best time they receive a ribbon. It means a lot to the kids and they do better for themselves. They win because of focus."

Matt Tehan, 10, a first-time states qualifier, said this approach has helped him to improve on his times.

"It is easy to set goals," Tehan said. "The incentive is great for learning how to drop seconds, I never thought I'd be swimming as fast as I am."

For swimmers on the team like 12-year-old Ashley King, Clary's approach has paid off. King has qualified for states for her first time this season.

"It is a really big thing," King said. "I've been doing a lot of training and I'm swimming different than I was at the beginning of the season. I'm stronger and I'm faster. I'm really excited."

While Clary is more than happy with the team's record, he said an undefeated season is not the main focus.

"We're very proud of the fact that we haven't lost," Clary said. "I really think they are used to winning, which is nice because we don't have to focus on it. We can focus on districts and states."

Currently the team is gearing up for the district competition and looking forward to states.

"Everyone is working really hard," said Candice Elliott, 15, an eight-time state qualifier. "Working to get more yardage, more focused to do the work. It can be stressful it is a really intense time but it is really exciting and everyone has improved a lot."

Clary is looking to get a few swimmers into the YMCA nationals in Florida.

"We're hopeful about nationals," Clary said. "We hope we can get at least six swimmers there. There are better team there and the level of competition is at its best."

Last year, Sarah Blair qualified for nationals in a relay team. She is looking forward to repeating her performance.

"Coach is working us really hard and it is paying off," Blair said. "If we can qualify for the times we can go. It is really fun and really fast. It is the same pool as the Olympic trials. It is really exciting."