Winning season for swimmers

The girls varsity swim team capped off their winningest season ever at a banquet at Zappia's Party House in Newark. Coach Tedd VanDuyne and Assistant Coach Melissa Poole presented best-time ribbons and awards to many of the team members.

VanDuyne returned to coaching the girls varsity swim team five years ago and has been rebuilding the team ever since that time. Six seniors on this year's team have been swimming varsity for at least four years. Seniors include Kathy Dorn, Laura Semmler, Colleen McCusker, Lindsay Miller, Katie Raymo, and Brandy Stewart.

This year's team had an outstanding season, finishing with a record of 8-4, and 12 swimmers qualifying for the sectionals. Also, members of the team set new school records in six individual and relay events.

At Sectional competition, Allison Wahl finished sixth in the 500 yard freestyle with a time of 5:40.84, and Sarah Lewis was third in the 100 yd. breaststroke with a 1:12.20. Both girls broke their own school records in these events during their sectional swims.

The 200 freestyle relay team (Sarah Lewis, Katie Raymo, Colleen McCusker, and Allison Wahl) finished eighth with a time of 1:50.45, a new school record.

The 400 yard freestyle team (Sarah Lewis, Katie Raymo, Colleen McCusker, Allison Wahl) finished ninth, with a 4:02.22, also a new school record.

Several swimmers had personal best times in the sectional events, including Colleen McCusker, with a 5:58.67 in the 500 yard freestyle consolation round, and Katie Raymo, with a 27.3 in the 50 yard freestyle.

VanDuyne presented special awards to four swimmers (pictured): Sarah Lewis received the Most Promising Freshman Award, Emily Williams earned Most Improved Swimmer Award, Katie Raymo received the Coaches Award, and Colleen McCusker was named Swimmer of the Year.

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