The girls 2023-24 swim season is coming to an end. The swim season is wrapping up and the team finished the season with a 4-6 record overall in spite of Norwin having to forfeit diving points every meet.
This year, the girls swim team faces a challenge in team size. The team numbers have dwindled over the years as its feeder program, Norwin Aqua Club has struggled to regain number post Covid.
“Probably the biggest issue we face this year is our numbers,” said Doug Watson, the coach of the Norwin swim team. “Due to Covid and the pool being closed for two years for renovations, our number of athletes is approximately 50% as previous years.”
The small numbers have caused the team to be unable to win consistently as they would like to.
“The biggest challenge this season is having a small team and being unable to fill all the events,” said senior Olivia Ivory.
To add to the problem, 9 members of the girls team are seniors, which will cause the team size to decrease even more.
Despite a few team struggles, multiple girls have achieved individual goals, such as qualifying for the WPIALs Championship on Feb. 29 through March 1 at University of Pittsburgh.
On Saturday, January 27, the team attended the Westmoreland County Championship at Derry Area High School. At this meet, two senior girls qualified to WPIALs. Two of the team captains, Allison Arendas qualified in the 50 free and Chloe Black qualified in the 100 back.
“This season is going really well so far,” said Black. “I have qualified in my 100 back and hope to qualify in a couple more events.”
So far as of February 1, the Girls 200 Medley Relay, Boys 200 Medley Relay, Girls 200 Freestyle Relay, Boys 200 Freestyle Relay, and Boys 400 Freestyle Relay. Along with the relays, the following individuals have qualified for WPIALs: Noah Mulac (200 Freestyle + 500 Freestyle), Cole Kubistek (200 IM), Connor Lydon (50 Freestyle), Tyler Turgeon (100 Fly/ 100 Back/ 200 Free/ 500 Free), and Allison Arendas (50 Free/ Chloe Black 100 Back).
In addition to the WPIAL qualifiers, the rest of the team has been working on their team and individual goals.
“Everyone, including myself, has been working hard all season to improve our times and be supportive of the other members of the team,” said junior Serena Borrelli. “The ultimate goal for my team as well as myself is to have a strong finish to our season by continuing to be there for each other, work hard, and improve our times. Some of our swimmers have qualified for WPIALs, and will continue to train and prepare for this exciting challenge.”
With the post-season arriving, the girls are getting ready for what is to come next.
“The post season will look a little different for everyone,” said Borrelli. “The nine graduating seniors will each take a slightly different path after graduation. Some people on the team will continue to swim in the off season, condition to stay in shape, and even play other sports.”
