Swim Notebook: The best could be ahead for North Penn; PW fast off the blocks
Nick Clark’s record-setting swim for North Penn Friday night came at the perfect time, in the midst of a season like no other.
“I’m so happy that even in such a crazy season, I could pull something off like that,” Clark said Friday night at the Rick Carroll Natatorium.
In a season that started much later due to the pandemic, Clark came into the year more prepared than ever.
His 44.86 in the 100-yard freestyle was the fastest ever at NP or for a NP swimmer anywhere, and it served as an inspirational moment on – quite fittingly – Senior Night.
“All of my friends are so happy for me and I love them all for being so supportive,” the freestyler said.
Already, the push for districts is becoming a bigger part of the daily mindset.
Said Clark: “Each week, it gets a little bit tighter looking at (the postseason).”
But things are looking up for Clark and the Knights. The senior is savoring one last ride on the high school level.
“I am so excited to go to Brown. I’m not rushing it because I wanna enjoy my time here,” Clark said. “Providence (R.I.) is a great area so I can not wait to go to Providence. My coaches there are super supportive – they just texted me about my race. I can not wait to be part of that family as well.”
CARRYING OVER >> North Penn had some pretty good practices leading up to Friday’s sweep of Central Bucks South.
Said coach Jeff Faikish: “We had a fantastic week of training. It’s difficult for a coach to give compliments during practice because then after the compliment is when things fall apart at a practice. But these guys had three awesome workouts this week – the boys and the girls. They certainly rose to the occasion at practice so I was excited to see some of the swims (Friday).”
North Penn had numerous impressive swims up and down the lineup. Everything came together on Senior Night.
“I sent out a message to the team that it takes the parents and the athletes and the coaches and the family atmosphere that we have here at North Penn to survive a program like North Penn,” Faikish said. “It’s relentless. You stare at a black line day in and day out. Because these kids are so committed to the program.
“So we got to celebrate the seniors’ achievements (Friday night). And Central Bucks South was fantastic. They cleared the deck so we could recognize our seniors. The school district and administration were fantastic, allowing us to have the seniors’ parents on deck as well. Because it’s an accomplishment for the entire family.”
PW PERKING UP >> Plymouth Whitemarsh brought a unique blend of enthusiasm and performance to its home pool on Thursday night against Upper Dublin.
The Colonials fell in both matchups, but standout swims were everywhere, particularly the one by Tulio, winner of the 50 free in 24.76 and 100 free in 55.53.
“Charley, who won the 50 and 100 free, started Jan. 4,” Colonials coach Kevin Golebiewski said. “She’s not a club swimmer. And she broke our school record last year with a 24.1. And she just went 24.7, which after just five weeks of training, is amazing.”
Throughout the lineup, PW saw some nice time drops. The start to the season provided some adversity for all, but PW is staying on pace.
“The kids are where I thought they would be at this point,” Golebiewski said. “We have about a month left for most of our team and then onto the postseason.”
PW heads into another big week.
“We have Souderton (Tuesday) next week at their place and then we finish up our (SOL Liberty) schedule against Hatboro-Horsham (Friday), which is gonna be close on the boys side,” Golebiewski said. “Their girls team is pretty deep. So it’ll be a tough challenge. But that boys meet will be a fight for second place in the league.”
