Reporter/Times Herald Area Boys Swim Preview

Pennridge comes into this season intent on pushing hard to the wall.
“We lost a hard-working group of senior boys that put up a lot of points for us, but this year’s team is ready to step it up and make their mark,” Rams coach Jenna Anselmo said. “We have a lot of fast freestylers that will make relays competitive as well as a lot of new guys who joined the team this year.
“Hoping to get a relay or two to qualify for districts again as well as a few individuals and help the team to win at least two dual meets if not more.”
North Penn could be in position to challenge for a state title this winter while La Salle too will again looks to be a force in Class 3A.
“This deep squad will look to defend its Catholic League and District 12 titles and move up from its third-place finish at states,” Explorers coach Stephen Duncheskie said.
Souderton is coming on strong.
“Despite losing three collegiate swimmers (Yaglenski to the University of Delaware, Kramer to LaSalle University and Sinkinson to Hartwick University), the outlook for 2019-2020 is very positive,” coach Lou Williams said. “The Indians sport a number of well-rounded upperclassmen and a strong group of incoming freshman.
“Freshman sprinter Robbie Ferlick should provide a much-needed spark while seniors Leyland, Masciulli, Graham and Moyer all have PIAA State Championship experience.”
Following is a team-by-team look at the area.
Central Bucks West
Coach: Vibeke Swanson (29th season).
Key performers lost: Gabe Wingert, Matt Bowe, Conor Levant.
Key returners: Roy Zang (10), fly, IM, Sam Shin (11), fly, free, Tom Tubinas (10) free and IM, Liam Gannon (10) distance free and back.
Strengths: Distance free.
Question marks: A nice group of young swimmers have come out and are making a good impression.
Coach Swanson says: “Always looking to improve from previous year.”
Lansdale Catholic
Coach: Bob Birnbrauer (25th season).
Last year’s record: 2-3 Philadelphia Catholic League; Overall 5-7; Second place District 12 AA Championships.
Key performers lost: Ryan Flanegan (free) was the lone senior loss to graduation.
Key returners: Seniors Bryce U’Selis (free} and Kevin Gianoni (free, fly, back) return as district event winners and state qualifiers; John Lee (all around) returns from winning the district 100 fly and free; Kieran O’Donnell (diver) district diving champ; Ryan O’Rourke, (district breaststroke champ);Cody Kulick (all around), Austin Helmer (fly and free), Solomon Leo (fly and free); John Murphy (free)complete the returning list. New comers Jack Crotty, Ryan Royds, Matthew Schmidt and Jack McGonigle will add needed depth to the small team.
Strengths: Experienced team that won two district relays last year and five individual events.
Coach Birnbrauer says: “The boys lost the district championship by thirteen points in 2019. Boys goal is to compete for district title and move up to state finals.”
La Salle
Coach: Stephen Duncheskie (fifth season).
Last year’s record: 12-0.
Key performers lost: Matt Szekely, Will Seely, Matt Lewis, DJ Comerford.
Key returners: Seniors – Liam Smith, Kevin O’Dare, Patrick Cunningham, Alex Patti.
Others To Watch: Harry Hearn, Paul Brosky, Connor Goodyear.
Strengths: Depth at every event.
Question marks: Replacing relay spots vacated by graduating seniors.
North Penn
Coach: Jeff Faikish (eighth season).
Last year’s record: 6-0 SOL Continental; District 1-3A Champs; PIAA-3A Runner-Up.
Key returners: Greyson Campbell, Sr.; Eric Degodny, Sr.; Sean Faikish, Sr.; William Klein, Sr.; Evan Mancini, Sr.; Bryon Rimmer, Sr.; Liam Rowland, Sr.; Luke Schwar, Sr.; Sage Trautz, Sr.
Outlook for the season: The Knights have a strong senior class that should put them in good position to defend their conference and district titles and again challenge for the trophy at states.
Pennridge
Coach: Jenna Anselmo (second season).
Last year’s record: 2-7.
Key performers lost: Joe Erefrej (200 IM, 100 breast), Ethen Lionetti (100 fly, 100 breast), James Maine (diving), James Sandt (50 and 100 free).
Key returners: Joseph Hong (11th grade, District and State qualifier in the 100 breast and District qualifier in 200 IM, also a member of both of last years District qualifying 200 medley and 400 freestyle relay), Julian Arteaga (11th grade, member of the District qualifying 400 freestyle relay), Greg Bashaar (11th grade, member of the District qualifying 200 medley relay)
Others to watch: Zach Yardley (11th grade, 100 free and 100 fly), Brett Mussleman (10th grade, 50 free and 100 fly), Darien Rajan (10th grade, 200 and 500 free), Sean Whitehurst (9th grade, 50/100 free and 100 fly).
Strengths: Relays are looking pretty strong already with 2 returning members from both district relays as well as a strong group to go for the 200 free relay as well. Joseph Hong will be working to get back to States again in the 100 breast as well as trying for the 200 IM.
Question marks: 200 and 500 free and diving. We have one diver that is just starting the sport as a junior but he is working very hard and can hopefully fill the void that James Maine left.
Souderton Area
Coach: Lou Williams (second season).
Last year’s record: SOL Continental 5-1; Overall 8-2.
Key performers lost: T.J. Yaglenski (Fly/Back); Jake Kramer (Free); Reid Sinkinson (Free).
Key returners: Will Leyland, sr. Breast/IM; Matt Masciulli, sr. Fly/Free; Austin Graham, sr. Free/IM; Erik Moyer, sr., IM.
Others to watch: Brien Yaglenski, jr., Back/Free; Kyle Creachen, jr., diver; Pax Flandro, jr., diver, Oliver Milles, so., diver.
Strengths: This year’s swimming team has a number of swimmers who are able to score points in multiple events. There’s flexibility in the lineup.
The diving event will also be a strength for the Indians as they return multiple District qualifying divers from 2019.
Question marks: Depth will be an issue for the Indians in 2019-20. The team has just 16 swimmers on the roster and eight of those swimmers are freshmen.