Varsity swimmers make a big splash this season

By Briana Li ‘25

Senior Co-Captain Aiden Lee ‘23 swims the freestyle in a home meet.

Through the persistence and hard work of the Wardlaw+Hartridge swim team, the Rams are so far undefeated in their division of the 2022-2023 season. The student-athletes have dived into the pool for practice and racing while looking their very best. From the early Relay Carnival to the most recent GMCs, these Rams have shown tremendous improvement and resilience.

Led by head coach Shane Tonery and assistant coach Kim Valdez, these swimmers have received strong support and mentoring to succeed at these swim meets. W+H currently holds a 4-0 record in their division against South Plainfield, Edison, Iselin Kennedy, and Perth Amboy.

“The 2022-2023 swim season has been the strongest showing for the school since the early 2000s,” Coach Tonery said. “With a small graduating class last year, our seniors really stepped up big time.”

The role of captains and seniors as role models and mentors has contributed significantly to the success of the entire team. At practice, they can be seen training the newer swimmers in learning key techniques to help lead the Rams to more victories. Giselle Lee ‘23, Maiti O’Connor ‘23, Aiden Lee ‘23, Matt Faust ‘23, Jay Lele ‘23 and Anthony Cortese ‘23 are among the swimmers who will conclude their W+H swim journey this winter.

Co-Captain and senior Giselle Lee ‘23 says, “This season has been the strongest we have been in my four years of being on the team. We were able to win our division for the first time in 25 years.”

Co-Captain Aiden Lee ‘23 adds, “Being one of a few seniors on such a large and talented team really requires you to be a role model to set the team in the right path. I credit my co-captains and the whole team’s efforts to our success.”

In addition to the experienced upperclassmen, the freshmen and sophomores have increased team spirit and motivation to give their all whenever in the water. Coach Shane stated, “We were fortunate enough to add four key swimmers to our lineup and it really shows in our depth and speed.” With these new swimmers and old ones together, relays and individual events the potential greatly exceeds previous years’. The Rams have predominantly placed first in the 50 free, 100 backstroke, 200 medley relay, and 200 free relay.

It can be confidently said that this triumphant season will only set precedent for the years to follow. Coach Shane said, “I hope to maintain our competitive but fun atmosphere for training. If we’re able to do that, I believe we’ll see similar results next year as well.” Therefore, as the seniors go and new swimmers join, laughter and excellence will continue to be a standard of the Wardlaw+Hartridge swim team.

“The team has worked hard on improving and strengthening their skills to better themselves in competition while also displaying great sportsmanship,” Coach Kim said. “This season has been nothing short of high, positive energy day in and day out and it’s made it an awesome experience joining the Ram fam!”