Jersey Shore is sending one of their largest swim teams in recent history to next week’s PIAA state meet in Lewisburg. Excitement is high for not only the swimmers but the coaching staff. “We took a few swimmers to the state meet last year and they didn’t finish where they wanted,” said head coach Jenna Brooks. “So here we go again to take another stab at it.”
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| The Jersey Shore PIAA swim team consists of (left to right), coach Jonathon Palumbo, Emma Butzler, Jordon O’Connor, Allie Moore, Kendra White, Gabbie Moore, Luke Engel, Taylor Fleming, and head coach Jenna Brooks. |
While last year was more about individual swims, this year has been more about the team. This emphasis has shown with the girls qualifying for two relays; the 200 and 400 freestyle. The relays came into play this year when two freshman, Taylor Fleming and Jordon O’Connor, brought the needed firepower to take the team relays to the next level. “This is a great experience for the freshman,” said assistant Jonathan Palumbo. “Being new to this level of competition, relays are a little less stressful than the competition in the individual events. This will prepare them for the next three years of high-stakes swimming.”
Looking at the psych sheets for the upcoming meet, it appears that this year’s state-wide competition is pretty tough. The girl’s goals are modest. First, they would like to swim fast enough to get into at least consolation finals allowing them to be part of the deck festivities. But the other goal that has been looming over their head is the team’s record board. Literally, it looms over the pool, as they practice every day. During kicking drills, heads above water, they can see the times in the relays that they must swim in order to get their names on the board.
The two freshman and juniors Kendra White and Emma Butzler expect to be back next year but not senior Gabbie Moore. These relays are especially important for her as the upcoming meet will the last time she wears school colors in competition and wants to make a lasting impression. "I'm incredibly excited to be able to finish my high school swimming career at States with these girls,” said Moore. “We're hoping for some swims at finals and our school records in both relays. It's been a long season but we've put in countless hours in the pool and weight room so I'm excited to see where this opportunity takes us".
Luke Engel is the only sole representative on the boy’s side and will compete in the 100 yard butterfly and freestyle. Identical to Engel, Emma Butzler will also swim the 100 butterfly and freestyles events individually.
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| Coaches Jenna Brooks (upper) and Jonathon Palumbo (forefront) go over the drills for the afternoon practice. |
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