Conestoga swimmers, divers continue to sparkle in Central League

The Conestoga High School boys and girls swimming and diving teams swept through the Central League dual meet season undefeated this winter, thus continuing their top standing in the league over the past several years.
At the upcoming Central League Swimming and Diving Championships Feb. 9-11, both the Conestoga boys and girls teams will be aiming for their eighth consecutive Central League championship meet title. At last year’s Central League championship meet, the Pioneer girls amassed more than double the point total of the second place team (Radnor), and the Conestoga boys also finished first by a wide margin.
“We have been so lucky to have so many talented swimmers and divers,” said Conestoga girls swimming head coach Rob Kirkby, whose squad finished second at last year’s PIAA 3A state championships. “I think success breeds success and I see the younger middle school swimmers from the area’s clubs looking to our high school swimmers and looking forward to the time they have a chance to swim for ’Stoga.”
Conestoga boys swimming head coach Mark Tirone, whose team placed fifth at the 2022 PIAA 3A state meet, said, “This community has a big interest in swimming and as a result, there is a lot of access to club swimming both with summer swim clubs and year round club programs.”
This winter, the Conestoga girls posted a 7-0 record in the Central League (8-0 overall), while the Pioneer boys were 6-0 in Central League meets and 6-1 overall – their only loss was to perennial private school power Malvern Prep.
The Conestoga boys’ lineup is talented and deep, with many swimmers who have posted district consideration times for multiple individual events this winter, including Jake Wang (five events), John Yeniay (seven), Brock Whitaker (five), Andrew Zhang (four) and Noel Park (five).
Tirone mentioned the importance of the team’s leadership in the face of sometimes challenging circumstances.
“Our three captains, Andrew Zhang, Noel Park and Derek Fung, helped keep a high level of energy at meets and also they would collaborate with me with meet lineups. Noel and Brock Whitaker also kept the energy level up during our 5:30 a.m. practices. It is tough for high school students to wake up at 5 a.m., but to go through an intense hour and a half practice before school really demonstrates their commitment to the team. Jake Wang and John Yeniay also are true leaders by example with their commitment and dedication to working hard in the pool and in the weight room.
“Between both the boys and girls teams, we only have three lanes for practice three days a week and six lanes one day. Despite the difficulty of having full team practices, our team is able to form a strong bond with each other and have great team chemistry.”
The Conestoga girls are led by a trio of senior swimmers who have been solid state-level performers for the past four years — Lily Robinson, Naomi Furman and Audrey Laganelli. In addition, Avery Hillier was third in diving at States last year.
Robinson said, “I would say that a lot of our success comes from how team-oriented we are, we swim for each other in both individual events and relays and are always cheering and up on our feet. Being a part of such a fun environment pushes us to be better in and out of the pool.”
Furman said, “What makes this team so memorable for me is the people. We have so many team members with such amazing goals. Each person is honestly striving to be the best swimmer they can and I think that’s why we have found so much success.”
Conestoga senior captain Ayala Miller added, “I think what makes this team so memorable is the energy we have. We go into every meet with a positive attitude, and everyone gives it their all. Also, the support that all the girls have for each other is what makes this team so special. During every single race, no matter how important, our girls are cheering for each other on the pool deck.”
Hillier said, “I think what makes this team (special) is the support the team has for each other. At all the meets, we always cheer each other on and are supporting each other, and I think it’s what makes this team great.”
On the boys’ side, Tirone and his swimmers also mentioned the Pioneers’ bonding spirit.
“I think that makes this team so memorable is the support the team has for each other,” said Tirone. “At all the meets, we always cheer each other on and are supporting each other and I think it’s what makes this team great.”
Park said, “What makes our team (special) is that all the guys support the team by not only swimming fast, but cheering on teammates who are trying to drop time or get a Central League or District cut.”
Whitaker particularly likes maintaining the tradition of the team’s Kickboard Cheer.
“The underclassmen go to the opposite side of the pool and spell out Conestoga with kickboards as we call out the letters,” said Whitaker, who is a junior.