The swimming season, which began in November, has just come to an end, marking the end of months of rigorous training, competitive meets, and personal achievements. Throughout these months, athletes have pushed their limits in the pool striving to improve their times, break records, and build stronger endurance. The team is composed of 9 boys and 5 girls, all of whom have given their best throughout the season, demonstrating their capability to achieve their personal goals. Among them, there were a few individuals who particularly stood out, excelling in nearly every competition. Their remarkable performances were not only a testament to their hard work and dedication but also showcased their potential to reach even greater heights in the future. These athletes have truly set a high bar for their teammates, inspiring everyone to strive for excellence.
This past weekend, on February 21-22, the District Championships took place in State College, providing the perfect opportunity for these athletes to showcase all the hard work they’ve put in throughout the season. A total of 12 athletes participated in these competitions, either individually or as part of a relay team. It was a pivotal moment for the swimmers to demonstrate their skills and dedication on a larger stage, and for many, it was a chance to push their limits and achieve their personal bests. The girls in the 200 medley relay, Charlotte Delaney, Eleanor Gillan, Abby Hagelgans, and Mila Klena, were outstanding, securing a first-place finish with an impressive time of 1:57.00. Their performance not only earned them the top spot but also a direct qualification for the state championships! In the same event, the boys, Liam Quigley, Lewis Delaney, Gavin, and Ben Groy, also delivered an excellent performance, securing a solid sixth place with a fantastic personal record! Mila Klena , a sophomore, also had an exceptional performance, competing in both the 200 IM and the 100 breaststroke. In both events, she claimed first place with outstanding times, securing a direct qualification for the state championships! Her determination and skill were evident in each race, making her one of the standout athletes of the weekend. Also standing out was our junior, Charlotte Delaney, who had an incredible weekend. She secured second place in the 500 freestyle and claimed a fantastic first place in the 100 butterfly, earning a direct qualification for the state championships! Leire Landeras Ruiz had a strong performance, missing the podium in the 100 fly by less than a second but achieving a personal best. Eleanor Gillan impressed with a 4th place finish and also set a new personal record in the 50 free. Lewis Delaney and Abby Hagelgans, also stood out in their respective events, showcasing their hard work and dedication.
A huge recognition goes to Liam Quigley, who not only won gold medals in both of his events but also set new records in the 100 breaststroke and 200 IM! He was undoubtedly the star of the weekend.
We are excited to see what he can achieve at States! This fantastic weekend concluded with the women’s 4×100 relay team, consisting of Benedetta Murro, Katie Ruoff, Katie Warriner, and Leire Landeras-Ruiz, who improved their time by about 15 seconds! The women’s team brought home an impressive 3rd place, while the men’s team secured 8th place! What an exciting accomplishment!