North Penn girls, La Salle boys look to defend PIAA titles
The North Penn girls swim team dives into this season as defending PIAA champions in Class 3A.
“We are strong in numbers and strong in depth,” said coach Jeff Faikish, who has coached the boys team at NP for the past four seasons and now takes over as head coach of girls squad as well. “We have exceptional diving and a great mix of young performers, loaded with veterans.
“It’s an exciting mix of coaches,” Faikish said. “The return of Jason Grubb and former head coaches Brian Faikish and Selma Robinson in the assistant positions makes for a great blend of experience.”
The Knights are the team to beat in a tough Suburban One League Continental Conference, which includes the likes of Pennridge’s Morgan Scott, the reigning state gold medalist in the 200 freestyle.
Over at Souderton Area, former longtime head coach Rob Faccenda returns to the helm, taking over a strong Big Red squad.
“The boys team is young but has experience. Cristian Musterait is our leader and is an amazing swimmer,” coach Faccenda said of the Arizona State commit. “I believe our strength is how well rounded our boys are.
“They can all swim several races well and it gives us many options for a meet lineup. Don’t see any weaknesses. We expect to have a great season.”
The La Salle boys, with key returners like Jake Sannem, could be in the mix for an amazing six straight team titles (3A) at the PIAA Championships, but the Explorers are taking it one stroke at a time.
Said coach Stephen Duncheskie: “We will look to defend our Catholic League and District 12 titles from last year.”
Title defenses are also part of the focus for the Archbishop Wood girls.
“We have some top swimmers coming back to keep our team in contention and our expectations are still high,” said coach Charlie Stillwell, whose team captured the Philadelphia Catholic League and District 12-2A crowns a year ago. “We will look to our younger swimmers to step up and fill in some gaps.”
Following is a team-by-team look at the area.
BOYS
ABINGTON
Coach: Joe Lennon (13th season).
Last Year’s Record: 4-7 overall, 2-4 in the SOL National.
Key Performers Lost: Wyatt Whitney, Sr., free/breast; Hunter Mackenzie, Sr., back/IM.
Key Returners: Kevin Alekna, Sr., free/fly; Joe Worek, Sr., free/back; Carter Meyers, So., free/breast; Nathan Suit, So., free/back; Sam Henninger, So., diving.
Others to Watch: Luke Balcer, Fr., free/breast; Kevin Worek, Fr., free/breast.
Strengths: Should be solid in distance events and backstroke. Most point scores return from last year. Better depth expected this season across the board.
Question Marks: Lots of openings need to be filled in middle distance events.
Outlook for the Season: “Large team again this year. Solid group of returning upperclassmen will lead the way,” coach Lennon says. “Need younger swimmers to step into bigger roles this season.”
ARCHBISHOP WOOD
Coach: Charlie Stillwell (22nd season).
Last Years Record: 6-5 overall, 6-3 in the Philadelphia Catholic League.
Key Performers Lost: Tim Quigley, breast/IM; Jack Waltrich, distance free.
Key Returners: Peter Gori, Jr., sprint free/back; Conor Lynskey, Sr., IM/breast/distance free; Daniel Lips, So., sprint free; Sean Harney, Sr., fly/sprint free; Kevin Harte, Sr., fly; Matthew Quigley, So., breast/fly/IM; Michael Schoeffling, Sr., breast.
Strengths: Good overall depth.
Question Marks: Distance events and freestyle relays.
Outlook for the Season: “A large senior class will lead the way,” coach Stillwell says. “We look to improve on our great season from last year and take another step up in the Catholic League and qualify some swimmers for the PIAA State Championship Meet.
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST
Coach: Zach Wilson (third season).
Last Year: 5-7-1 overall, 3-3-1 SOL Continental; 8th in District 1-3A.
Key Performers Lost: Christian Donaher, back; Quinn Rusciolelli, sprint free.
Key Returners: Peter Baltes, Sr., distance free; Brad Johnson, Sr., sprint free/100 breast; Dale Johnson, Sr., sprint free/100 Back; Evan Washington, Sr., sprint free/100 fly; Gabe Wingert, So., 100 back/distance free; Dylan Friedman, Jr., diving.
Others to Watch: Ian Kuo, Jr., 200 free/100 breast; Ian Donaher, Jr., 200 free/100 back; Pierce McKelvey, Jr., breast.
Strengths: “The team has a very talented senior class that is looking to build on the success we saw at the end of last season,” coach Wilson says. “The team is made up of swimmers who are strong all around, however, and the team has the most depth in the sprint freestyle events and IM. The leadership from the juniors and seniors combined with the talent and hard work of the whole team will undoubtedly make this team strong competition.”
Question marks: Depth in the distance freestyle events and butterfly.
GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
Coach: Jeff Thompson (third season).
Last Year: 5-4.
Key Performers: Brien Collier, Sr., 200 free relay/100 fly/100 free/200 IM; Jimmy Parker, Sr., 50 free/100 free; Jack Lafond, So., 200 IM/100 breast/100 fly; Jack Forde, So., 100 breast/100 back; Jake Rabbiner, So., 200 IM/500 free/100 breast; Kevin Hou, So., 100 back/100 breast/200 IM; Zac Jobin, Fr., 200 free/500 free/200 IM/100 fly.
Outlook for the Season: “The strength of this team is in its leadership and youthfulness,” Thompson said. “We have some great leaders with our senior class and we are full of potential and promise in the 9th and 10th grades. The future of GA swimming looks very bright for many years to come as we have a very large, and very young, team. We will continue to develop our young squad of divers and look to score more points in this event this year and for many years to come.”
HATBORO-HORSHAM
Coach: Kip Emig (11th season).
Last Year: 9-3.
Key Returners: Tim McPoyle, Sr., sprints; Chris McPoyle, Sr., breast; Matt Hammer, Sr., fly; Matt McCormick, Sr., distance; Andy Thomas, Jr., back/free; John Scully, Jr., back/free; Pearce Stevens, Jr., back/free; Conor Eimer, Jr., distance/breast; Stuart Sumner, So., utility; Luke Emig, So., utility; Andrew McPoyle, So., utility.
Outlook for the Season: “The Hatters are returning four state qualifiers and 11 district qualifiers,” coach Emig says. “Junior Andy Thomas looks to improve upon his state success of last season. A good mix of experienced swimmers and young talent could provide the Hatters with a very special season.”
LANSDALE CATHOLIC
Coach: Bob Birnbrauer (22nd season).
Last Year: 0-6 Philadelphia Catholic League; third in District 12-AA.
Key Performers Lost: Garhett Moore, district qualifier in free events.
Key Returners: Nick Picozzi, Jr., second in the District 12 100 breast/third in the District 12 100 free; Will Rex, Sr., ninth in the District 12 50 free; Tyler Arsuaga, Jr., District 12 relay; Brian Allen, So., District 12 relay.
Others to Watch: Kevin Gianoni, Fr.; Bryce U’Selis, Fr.
Strengths: U’Selis will be strong in freestyle and backstroke and Arsuaga will handle fly and IM events. Picozzi will swim breaststroke and free events. Rex will join in freestyle events with Allen as Gianoni appears to be an all-around swimmer.
Question Marks: Swimming well early in the season to make district-qualifying times is the goal for many.
Outlook for the season: “Looking for improvement in last year’s swimmers to advance in district competition and for new swimmers to make an immediate impact,” coach Birnbrauer said.
LA SALLE
Coach: Stephen Duncheskie (second season).
Last Year: 10-1; District 12-3A Champions; State Champions.
Key Performers Lost: Greg Brocato; Joe Vizza; Sean Finlay; J.P. Venneri; Kevin Durning.
Key Returners: Jake Sannem; Jake Lubinski; Liam Duffy; John Klein.
Other to Watch: James McErlean; Sam Grossi; Brent Schoeller; Matt Szekely; Will Seely.
Strengths: A core group of the PIAA State Championship team returns with a mix of young talented underclassmen.
Outlook for the Season: The Explorers are the favorite in the league and the district and could be gunning for another state crown come season’s end.
LOWER MORELAND
Coach: Jess Ashenbrenner (fifth season).
Last Year: District 1-2A Champions (second straight).
Key Returners: Connor Killion, Jr., 200 medley relay/200 free state runner-up; 200 freestyle relay and 500 free state second runner-up; Chris Kelly, Jr., 200 medley relay/200 IM/200 free relay; Tommy Lutter, So., 200 medley relay/100 fly; returning district qualifiers include Dan Amusin, So.; Ben Aust, Jr.; Eddie Barton, Jr.; Max Gutnik, So.; Chris Kelly, Jr.; Connor Killion, Jr.; Tommy Lutter, So.; Chirag Ram, Sr.; Dan Shevelev, Jr.; Colin Shipp, So.; Anthony Sleptsov, Sr.
Others to Watch: Thomas Aust, Fr.; Alex Yoon, Fr.
METHACTON
Coach: John Welsh.
Key Performers Lost: Gilbert Price (16th at 3A States in 100 free); Austin D’Angelo, 200 IM; Kevin Roy, diving.
Key Returners: Greg Stimmler, Sr., diving; Michael Palumbo, Jr., 500 free.
NORTH PENN
Coach: Jeff Faikish (fourth season).
Last Year: 12-0 overall, 8-0 Suburban One League Continental Conference; District 1-3A Runner-up; 12th at states.
Key Returners: Ian Boland-Bintner, Sr., diving; Luke Henry, Sr., free; Bryce Hoch, Sr., diving; Nico Kountroubis, Sr., sprint free/fly; Shane Markus, Sr., breast; Beau Meingossner, Sr., utility; Aidan Daly, Jr., free/distance; Andrew Dunigan, Jr., utility; Derek Friday, Jr., freestyle; Ryan Hartmann, Jr., utility.
Outlook for the Season: “We are strong in numbers and strong in depth,” coach Faikish says. “We have exceptional diving and a great mix of young performers, loaded with veterans. It’s an exciting mix of coaches. The return of Jason Grubb and former head coaches Brian Faikish and Selma Robinson in the assistant positions makes for a great blend of experience.”
PENNRIDGE
Coach: Jacob Grant (second season).
Key Performers Lost: Eric Jordan, fly.
Key Returners: Hayden Sandt, Sr., sprint/free; John Handy, Sr., diving; Jakob Aigeldinger, Sr., diving.
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH
Coach: Kevin Golebiewski (third season).
Last Year: 20th in District 1-3A.
Key Performers Lost: Ray Sellers, 200 IM/100 free; Shane Sullivan, 100 breast.
Key Returners: Billy Gallagher, Jr., sprint free; Sean Keenan, So., 200 free/100 back; Justin Ruggiero, So., 200-500 free; Nick Fiddler, So., 100 fly/100 back.
Others to Watch: Niles Rankin, Fr., 100 breaststroke; Caleb Kelly, Fr., sprint free.
Strengths: Nick Fiddler has the best chance to advance to states in the 100 fly and the boys medley relay should have a strong showing at districts.
Question marks: Overall depth.
Outlook for the Season: “The boys team is very young with only one senior this year,” coach Golebiewski says. “With the conferences realigning we are up to the challenge with new opponents. The boys team is hoping to finish in the top three at conferences and jump up a couple spots at districts. Getting a swimmer or relay to the state meet is the ultimate goal.”
SOUDERTON
Coach: Rob Faccenda (14th season overall, also coached team from 1994-2006).
Last Year: 9-1 overall, 5-1 in the SOL Continental; third in District 1-3A; eighth at states.
Key Performers Lost: Ryan Witoslawski, breast; Brendon Loux free/fly.
Key Returners: Cristian Musterait, Sr., second in the 50 free and fourth in the 100 free at states; Spencer Nice, Jr., fly/breast; Storm Krader, Jr., IM/back; Rory Sinkinson, Jr., 200/500 free; T.J. Yaglenski, So., utility; Jake Kramer, So., 200/500 free; Reid Sinkinson, So., 50/100 free.
Outlook for the Season: Big Red should be one of the most balanced teams in the conference and a solid challenger at districts.
UPPER DUBLIN
Coach: Geoff Scheuer (18th season).
Last Year: 10-1; SOL American Champions; District 1-3A Champions; PIAA State Championship Runner-Up.
Key Performers Lost: Michael Jensen, sprint free; Ogden Leyens, distance free; Wyatt Amdor, breast/fly; Jake Easton, breast; Devon Polak, breast/IM.
Key Returners: Alex Flynn, sprint freestyle.
Others to Watch: Zach Duthie, fly/IM/distance; Kornel Pesti, distance.
Strengths: Young talent.
Question Marks: Leadership, experience.
Outlook for the Season: “Definitely a re-building year, but with more than half the team in a talented freshman class, the future has the potential to be bright,” coach Scheuer said.
UPPER MORELAND
Coach: Jess Healy (fourth season).
Last Year: 4-7-1; District 1-2A Runner-up; two relays medaled at states.
Key Performers Lost: Jake Winter, sprint free; Devon Pickard, distance free; George Balot, diving.
Key Returners: Jake Matthews, Sr., fly; Brennan Coleman, Sr. distance free; Mike Cebzanov, Sr., breast/IM; Zach Litvin, Jr., sprint free; Dylan Walker, Sr., diving.
Others to Watch: Sean Duffey, Jr., breast/sprint free; Ronan Smith, So., back/fly; Dylan Swedberg, Fr., diving.
Strengths: Every event in the swimming program is covered.
Question Marks: Depth/low numbers.
Outlook for the Season: “Strong upperclassman group. Facing a big challenge being bumped up to Class 3A — should still have a few great swims in postseason,” coach Healy said
WILLIAM TENNENT
Coach: Meghan Forlini (second season).
Last Year: 9-2 overall, 4-2 in the SOL National.
Key Returners: Michael Kane, Sr., fly/free; Connor Harris, Sr., free/back; Jake Alps, Sr., fly/free; Will Clift, Jr., free/IM; Will Gwynn, Jr., breast/IM; Kyle Doh, Jr., free/back; Ethan Dean, Jr., free/breast/IM; Charlie Green, So., free/fly/back; Chris Laub, So., diving/free/back.
Others to Watch: Colin Harris, Fr., free/back/fly.
Key Performers Lost: Mark Preedy, free/breast; Jake Stotler, distance free/breast; Dayton Stahl, back.
Outlook for the Season: “The boys team is excited for the season,” Forlini said. “There is an even number of athletes in every grade, except the freshmen as they are our largest class. An important key for us will be how quickly the freshmen can contribute in the meets. We are looking to improve as the year progresses in an effort to have a series of successful end-of-season championship meets.”
WISSAHICKON
Coach: John High (fifth season).
Last Year: 3-3 in the SOL American; qualified two individuals and one relay for states.
Key Performers Lost: Jeff Beyer, 200-500 free; Doug Boehme, 200-500 free; Jake Berring, 50 free/100 breast; David McFarland 50 free/100 free.
Key Returners: Jon Carrozza, Jr., butterfly/freestyle; Nick Kang, So., spring freestyle; Ryan Keagy, So., middle distance freestyle.
Others to Watch: Griffin Bowers, Fr., any stroke.
Strengths: Team unity.
Question Marks: Lack of experience.
Outlook for the Season: “Honestly, we are hoping to swim fast,” High said. “I have never been too worried about wins and losses, but instead hope that these young men can challenge themselves, race their opponents, and most of all race their own top times to achieve personal best swims.”
GIRLS
ABINGTON
Coach: Joe Lennon (18th season)
Last Year: 6-5 overall, 3-3 in the SOL National
Key Performers Lost: Emma O’Neill, free/fly
Key Returners: Kailey Horton, So., free/back; Ali Erwin, Sr., free/back/breast; Emma Serianni, Sr., free/back/fly.
Others to Watch: Emily Machuca, Fr., free/back; Melanie Machuca, Fr., free/breast.
Strengths: Top sprinters return from last year.
Question Marks: More depth needed in stroke events – distance free, breaststroke, fly events hurt by graduation.
Outlook for the Season: “Several swimmers just missed qualifying for the district meet last year,” coach Lennon says. “As a team, we lost some depth due to graduation. Several very competitive conference meets. Solid freshman class looks good so far in practice.”
ARCHBISHOP WOOD
Coach: Charlie Stillwell (22nd season)
Last Year: 10-1 overall, 8-0 in the Philadelphia Catholic League; District 12-2A Champions.
Key Performers Lost: A total of 18 seniors.
Key Returners: Aubrey McDonough, Jr., breast/back/IM; Kayley Hence, So., sprint free; Taylor Green, Jr., back/sprint free; Elizabeth Dern, Jr., distance free; Molly Prior, Jr., breast; Emma Foley, Jr., fly.
Strengths: “Even with the loss of 18 seniors, we will still have a competitive team with eight new freshmen and a large junior class,” coach Stillwell said. “We will be stronger in the stroke events with lots of underclassmen ready to step up.”
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST
Coach: Vibeke Swanson (25th season).
Last Year: 4-8.
Key Returners: Sarah Stim, Sr., diving; Samantha Seiden, So., fly/IM; Kaitlyn Button, Jr., distance free/back; Rileigh Thompson, Jr., breast/fly/IM; Emily Grill, So., IM/distance free; Emma Schwass, Jr., sprint; Carly Siegle, Sr., distance free/breast; Lizzie Gallagher, Sr., distance free/breast; Sarah McPherson, Sr., utility.
Key Performers Lost: Colette Strong, back/free/IM; Jackie McDowell, sprint free.
Outlook for the Season: “This year we are strong in number with incredible leaders in our seniors,” coach Swanson said. “A large group of young swimmers are working hard. We seem to have a good group of distance freestylers, backstrokers and flyers. We hope to improve our dual meet record and have more swimmers and divers qualify for districts.”
GERMANTOWN ACADEMY
Coach: Jeff Thompson (third season).
Last Year: 8-1.
Key Performers: Karlee Carminati, Sr., 200-500 free; Alaina Schumann, Sr., diving; Amanda Parker, Sr., diving; Sook-Hee Evans, Sr., 200-500 free/100 fly; Caroline Osman, Jr., 50 free/100 back; Emily Thompson, So., 200 free/500 free/200 IM; Erin Merke, So., 50 free/100 free/100 back/100 fly/100 breast; Emma Atkinson, Fr., 200 free/500 free/100 back/100 fly/200 IM.
Outlook for the Season: “This year’s team is very small and very young,” coach Thompson said. “We have a total of five upperclassmen, two of which are divers. This is an incredibly tight group of girls who push each other every day at practice and who enjoy spending time together in and out of the pool. A large portion of our season will be spent developing our young swimmers and trying to find the best place to put them when it comes time for Easterns. The girls team has some very talented athletes — it will be exciting to watch them train and compete over the course of the season.”
GWYNEDD MERCY
Coach: Heather Norman (13th season).
Last Year: 7-3; second in District 1-2A; PIAA-2A Runner-Up.
Key Performers Lost: Hannah Blaser, 50-100 free (District 1-2A Swimmer of the Meet); Maddy Dittrich, middle distance free; Allie McKenna, middle distance free; Allie Szekely, IM/back (PIAA-2A States Swimmer of the Meet).
Key Returners: Steph Szekely, distance (member of the state record relays last year); Alyssa Gesek, distance; Annie O’Dare, breast/IM (member of the state record relays last year); Alaina Zaki, fly/free; Maura Toner, back/IM; Anna Gola, sprint free; Emily Gregor, fly.
Others to Watch: Lauren McGee; Brigid Toner; Nicole Sasso; Aileen Murray.
Strengths: Middle distance freestyle and the IM.
Question Marks: Sprinting program is building.
Outlook for the Season: “Hoping to better our record and get more swimmers to qualify for the district team,” coach Norman said.
HATBORO-HORSHAM
Coach: Kip Emig (26th season).
Last Year’s Record: 11-2.
Key Returners: Colleen Claggett, Sr., sprint free; Katie Moore, Sr., IM breast; Sophie Stasio, Sr., utility; Cameron Fisher, Sr., back; Grace Riemenschneider, fly; Amber McElrath, Sr., diving; Ali Schmitt, Jr., free; Grace Fink, Jr., sprints.
Others to Watch: A solid sophomore class will add depth to an already experienced team and a large freshman class of 11 swimmers and divers will help the Hatters be successful.
Outlook for the Season: “The Hatter girls return a strong nucleus of experienced district qualifiers. Colleen Claggett, Katie Moore, Sophie Stasio, Cierra Joyce, Arielle Hammer, Jessica Gutekuntz, Becca Rudnitsky and Grace Riemenschneider should continue to keep the Hatters strong in both dual meets and postseason performances. Three-time district qualifier Amber McElrath (diving) returns from injury to complete her senior season.”
LANSDALE CATHOLIC
Coach: Bob Birnbrauer (22nd season).
Last Year: 5-3 in the Philadelphia Catholic League; third in District 12-2A.
Key Performers Lost: Four-time state breaststroker and PCL Champion Cassidy Fries.
Key Returners: Courtney Fries, Sr., District 12 qualifier in the 100 back/50 free since her freshman year; Hailey Gianoni, Jr., 200 IM/100 free state qualifier; Samanatha Razzi, Jr., district qualifier free/fly; Lauren Kristofco, Jr.; Madeleine Kulik, Jr.; Joey Lamorticello, Jr.; Meghan Primus, Jr.; Abbey Stauffer, Jr.; Caitlin Courchain, Jr.; Colleen Costello, Jr.; Sara Murphy, Jr.
Others to Watch: Mary Gunder, Fr.; Mary Picozzi, Fr.; Catherine Primus, Fr.
Strengths: The young team gained significant experience last year with Philadelphia Catholic League and District Championship competition and will be joined by new swimmers who will add depth to line-up.
Question Marks: Replacing top performer on relay teams will be key.
Outlook for the Season: “The young team of last year has gained experience and with the new swimmers will make immediate impact in dual meet competition,” coach Birnbrauer says. “The team will enjoy practicing and hosting three meets this year in the North Penn YMCA competition pool.”
LOWER MORELAND
Coach: Jess Ashenbrenner (fifth season)
Last Year: 4-8; 10th in District 1-2A.
Key Performers Lost: Dani Polatnick, diver (Wagner College); Helen Chalhoub, 50 free; Ally Lutter, 50 free; Christine Garlick, 100 back.
Key Returners: Claire Doneker, Sr., 50-100 free/100 breast; Abby Hwan, So., 500 free/IM; Grace Laudenslager, Jr., 500 free/200 free.
Others to Watch: Audrey Kim, Fr.; Hanah Buczacki, Jr., IM/fly; Eliana Yi, Jr., IM/back; Amy Yoon, Jr.
Strengths: Lack of depth.
Question Marks: With so many new swimmers, again, it might be a building year.
Outlook for the Season: “Since our school participates in the BAL and there are no swim teams in the BAL, every competition is non-league so every meet is a rehearsal for districts,” Ashenbrenner said. “We are hopeful that our girls can improve their times from last year, and even more hopeful that a few more swimmers will qualify for districts. If we can build on past years and maybe win a few more meets, that would be ideal.”
METHACTON
Coach: Stephanie Saucy (first season).
Last Year: Had three competitors (Emily Sykes, Vicky Zang, Sara Lebold) qualify for states. Sykes earned fourth in the 200 IM.
Key Performers Lost: Lebold (200 free/500 free/relay).
Key Returners: Sykes, Sr., 100 breast/100 fly/200 IM, Anna Price, Sr., 50 free/100 free; Vicky Zang, So., 200 free/100 fly.
Others to Watch: Emily Shea, Sr., 100 back/200 free; Amanda Groff, Sr., 100 back/100 fly; Sara Fleck, So., 100 fly/200 free.
Strengths: A good mix of upper and lower classmen who are key performers and leaders for the team.
Question Marks: Who will fill the 500 free consistently?
NORTH PENN
Coach: Jeff Faikish (first season as girls coach — boys coach from 2013 to present).
Last Year: 12-0 overall, 8-0 in the SOL Continental; District 1-3A Champions; State Champions.
Key Returners: Kailyn Evans, Sr., utility; Heather Hartmann, Sr., free; Allison Mclaughlin, Sr., free; Alena Schwartz, Sr., free; Callie Smith, Sr., diving; Alex Weed, Sr., free; Montgomerie Weitzel, Sr., free; Savanna Zeiger, Sr., fly; Megan Zartman, Jr., utility.
Outlook for the Season: The Knights are the favorite in the SOL Continental and should again challenge for the District 1-3A title and make a strong run at states.
PENNRIDGE
Coach: Jacob Grant (second season).
Key Performers Lost: Brittany Weiss, breast/IM/middle distance; Hannah Zurmuhl, sprint free/back.
Key Returners: Morgan Scott, Jr., 100 free/200 free/relays; Claire Beno, Sr., middle distance/IM; Sam Vargo, Sr., sprint free
Outlook for the Season: The Rams lost a lot of key pieces from last year’s state runner-up team (3A) but have one of the best swimmers in the state returning in Scott (200 free State Champ).
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH
Co-Coaches: Amy Acquaviva (seventh season) and Carlee Moir (first season).
Key Performers Lost: Sarah Fisher (breast/IM); Emily Dinda (fly/free).
Key Returners: Angelina DiSanto, Sr., breast/IM; Hannah McGee, Sr., IM/free; Gianna Gross, Jr., fly/free; Alena DiSanto, Jr., IM/fly; Abbie Thomas, So., free.
Others to Watch: Julia Fiddler, Jr., free; Meghan Ely, Jr., free/back; Maya Miramontes, So., free/back.
Outlook for the Season: “Our team is strong in every event and has the potential to be competitive at the Surburban One League Championships,” coach Acquaviva said. “We have a strong and talented team led by our senior girls. Their attitude and work ethic make them natural-born leaders. Their dedication to the team keeps everyone working hard. Hannah McGee has a strong chance of qualifying for the PIAA State Championships in multiple events. We also anticipate performing well in the medley and freestyle relays at the District One Championships. We also expect our girls’ team records to be broken this year.”
SOUDERTON
Coach: Rob Faccenda (14th season overall, also coached team from 1994-2006)
Key Performers Lost: Arianna Crossgrove, back/free; Amber Rogers, free.
Key Returners: Emily Hodges, Sr., IM/breast; Lauren Rutkowski, Sr., IM/breast; Alexa Crossgrove, Jr., 200/500 free; Jenny Rogers, Jr., free/fly; Michaela Hershey, Jr., free/breast; Clara Burrell, So., utility; Hailey Freed, fr., utility.
Outlook for the Season: “Our girls team is young with a bright future,” coach Faccenda said. “We have great senior leadership with Emily and Lauren and they will be counted on to show the younger swimmers the right way to do things. I think our girls will be able to compete at the district level and we hope to have many swims at the state meet this year.”
UPPER DUBLIN
Coach: Patrick Redican (fourth season).
Last Year: 12-1 overall, 7-0 in the SOL American; ninth in District 1-3A; 14th at states.
Key Performers Lost: Megan Paris, sprint free.
Key Returners: Jenna Johns, Sr., sprint/free/fly/back; Samie Hubbard, Sr., distance free/IM; Shannon Reape, Sr., diving; Rebecca Pendleton, Jr., fly; Saemmi Yoon, Jr., free; Abbie Amdor, So., breast/IM; Kelly Regan, So., diving; Lia Wilmoth, So., breast/IM.
Others to Watch: Liz Medvedev, So., distance free/breast; a total of 10 freshmen.
Strengths: Strong numbers/depth and veteran leadership.
Question Marks: How quickly will the freshman class be able to contribute? Will depth hold up?
Outlook for the season: “Our first priority is always to compete for the Suburban One American Conference title (27 consecutive championships) and with Hatboro in the conference this year it will be a dogfight,” coach Redican said. “Hoping to bring more athletes to districts and states and move up in the team scoring in both.”
UPPER MORELAND
Coach: Shelly Lawn (first season).
Last Year’s Record: 1-11.
Key Returners: AnnaMaria Stylianou, So., sprint; Colleen Davis, Jr., fly; Johanna Spaeter, Jr., back; Melanie Wittick, Sr., sprint; Colleen Rodrigues, Sr., diving; Kaylee Hermann, Jr., diving.
Others to Watch: Olivia Pervall, Fr., free; Emily Sanceciz, Fr., back/fly.
Strengths: Young team — eager to build and improve.
Question Marks: Depth/low numbers.
Outlook for the Season: “We have a young team and we are excited to build our program,” coach Lawn said.
WILLIAM TENNENT
Coach: Meghan Forlini (second season).
Last Year: 3-8 overall, 2-4 in the SOL National.
Key Returners: Melissa Parsons, Sr, diving; Kirsten Brasch, Jr., fly/free; Mary Mansfield, Jr., fly/free; Andjelina Blagojevic, Jr., free/back; Brianne Spellman, Jr., IM/back; Devon Fithian, So., back/breast/IM; Kerri Greiner, So., free/back; Tori Panzer, So., free/breast.
Others to Watch: Nina Lombardi, Fr., diving.
Key Performers Lost: Regan Crognale, breast.
Outlook for the season: “Our team this year is very young,” coach Forlini said. “There are 9 freshmen and six sophomores aboard out of 27 team members. We are looking to our senior class to provide the leadership necessary for us to be successful. Our record will probably not show how much we will improve as the girls have a very positive outlook this season and are anxious to perform their best.”
WISSAHICKON
Coach: Laurie Hug (eighth season).
Last Year: 8-3 overall, 6-1 in the SOL American; eighth in District 1-2A; 45th at states.
Key Performers Lost: Amanda Zlotnikoff, sprint free/back.
Key Returners: Kelly Wild, Sr., 50 free/100 free/back; Liliana Xu, Sr., IM/free; Carly Zlotnikoff, So., 200 free/500 free.
Others to Watch: Karis Kim, Fr., free/breast/IM; Katie Sapozhnikov, Fr., free/fly/IM; Julia Weiss, Fr., free/back.
Strengths: Three quarters of the team’s state qualifiers have returned, and are joined by a large and enthusiastic freshman class.
Question Marks: Diving.
Outlook for the Season: “This should be an exciting season with a great mix of strong returning swimmers and talented freshmen,” coach Hug said.
