Swimming and diving returns on Saturday, October 14, with a meet against Sarah Lawrence College and St. Joseph’s University Long Island in Bronxville, N.Y.
Both the men’s and women’s teams will be competing.
On the men’s side, returning are juniors Justin Melli, a distance freestyler and butterflyer, and Max Russell, a butterflyer and freestyler. Both men helped the Pioneers be named to the CSC Men’s Swimming and Diving Academic All-District Team. This award honors athletes that excel in the pool and in the classroom.
Melli contributed 18 top-five finishes in individual events in his junior season. Russell put up 9 top-five finishes in his individual events.
On the women’s side, sophomore Olivia Morrison, a diver as well as a breaststroker and freestyler, is returning to the team. In her freshman season, she earned titles such as NJAC Diver of the Week and NJAC Rookie of the Week.
Last season, the men topped Sarah Lawrence College with a staggering 137-point difference. The women, on the other hand, were bested by Sarah Lawrence College 135-86.
Both teams had successful last seasons and boasted winning records, with the men having a 12-2 record and the women having an 11-4 record.
But with a brand new coach for both the men and women, it is hard to say if the teams will adapt and find success.
Filling the shoes of previous coach Ed Gurka, who served as head coach for 49 seasons, won’t be easy, but new head coach Dave Nehls will be looking to continue the success from last year and get winning seasons under his belt.
