Record-setting day for Fein, North Penn in wins over Souderton
FRANCONIA >> It’s the time of the year when swimmers are tired, beat up and worn down.
North Penn is breaking records.
“It’s been a tough week, so to come out and put up those times, I’m really happy about that,” said the Knights’ Ryley Fein, whose times in the 200-yard Individual Medley and 100 freestyle were the fastest times ever in the Souderton Area pool. Fein also swam on the record-setting 200 medley relay to get things started.
North Penn’s record-setting day added up to a 96-81 win for the boys and a 100-80 victory for the girls as the Knights capped off a perfect run through the Suburban One League Continental Conference.
“So far, we’ve been undefeated this season and we’re trying to keep it rolling. We’re looking forward to the conference championships,” Fein said.
Fein’s 200 IM record of 1:54.73 broke the previous mark held by Upper Dublin grad Michael Jensen (Cal-Berkeley). Fein’s 100 free swim of 46.43 replaced the previous record by Souderton grad Kevin Musterait (Ohio State). Both Jensen and Musterait were eventual state champions.
“I’m definitely improving a lot from last year, which is a good sign,” said Fein, who is headed to West Virginia next season. “They’re not my best times, but looking back at last year, it’s a big improvement for where I was in the season.”
North Penn outdid itself in the 200 medley relay, a team of Sean Faikish, Nick Clark, Tyler Hall and Fein racing to a 1:36.63, replacing the previous pool record set by NP two seasons ago.
“I’ve got some kids swimming fast right now and I don’t understand it,” kidded Knights coach Jeff Faikish. “They are self motivated. They come in, set goals, and they attack. So seeing these kids do it and be successful at it is pretty awesome.
“We love swimming against Souderton. They’re a great group of people. They’re a crosstown rival and they’re the closest competition we have.”
Souderton’s T.J. Yaglenski will soon have his name up the board, his time of 52.22 in the 100 back replacing the previous record of 52.39 by Big Red grad Storm Krader (Delaware).
In one of the most exciting races of the day, Souderton’s Hailey Freed (24.62) touched before North Penn’s Madeleine Voss (25.46) in the 50 free. Freed was a double winner for Big Red — she also went 1:07.66 in the 100 breast.
“That’s the benefit of swimming against an awesome team like North Penn — you get those races in great competition,” said Indians coach Lou Williams. “We saw some good times. Now we’re moving forward, working towards (the conference meet) and districts.”
The Knights got a pair of individual wins each from Sean Faikish (200 free/100 fly) on the boys side and Claudia Thamm (200 IM/100 fly) in the girls races to hold off their area rival.
Said Fein of the upcoming postseason: “I can’t explain how excited I am. That’s really all I’ve been thinking about. This whole team has been working towards that and we’ve all been looking really good. And we’re hoping to keep that going throughout the postseason too.
“These guys are all my best friends and honestly, I’d do anything for them. I’m so happy to see everybody stepping up. It’s just amazing.”
