After a league championship from both the boys and the girls swim teams last season, both squads are searching for a way to repeat their success.
Last year, the boys and girls both had swimmers featured at the Western Mass. and State Championships, which included sophomore Ella Smith, who broke almost all of the swimming records on the board in 2019. Caitlyn Crochiere, Caitlin Guntly, and Lily Cushing broke the 200 Medley Relay record as well on their way to the State Tournament.
On the boys side, junior Evan Nawrocki, and other relays featured in the Western Mass Tournament last year, with many other swimmers competing in the PVIAC Last Chance Meet. Also, a new addition, freshman Andrew Kelly, will look to make an impact. Most of the boys success in the past few years have come from diving. The girls swim team has one returning diver, and the boys have none with all being lost to graduation.
This year the girls have the strongest team they’ve had in a few years and are expected to make a huge impact in the Patriot League. Coach Dale Morrisette is confident that they’ll make moves in their league.
“I feel like we have a good chance to win our division again. We would like to break a few of our own records and make a bigger presence at the state meet.”
With a good strength in returning swimmers like Lily Cushing, Ella Smith, Caitlin Guntly, and a strong freshman named Sophie Nawrocki, the girls team may be on their way to another Patriot League Championship, and a big presence in the postseason.
On the boys side, with the fact that there is no returning divers, they’ll have to start fresh in that category. With the loss of key sprinters as well, the boys team will be looking to fill in a lot of empty holes in the roster.
“I think in 25 years, this is our lowest number of swimmers.” – Jim Mercer, Boys Coach
“I’d like our team to contend for the Patriot League championship and maybe win it for the ninth straight year.”
Both sides have seen struggles at the beginning of their season, but they have tended to bounce back and become successful. Both teams are confident that they will become a force in the Patriot League this season.
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