Young Swimmers Lead Blue Devils in Pool

Christopher Helmke and Meg McConnell knew this would be rebuilding year considering the Huntington High School girls’ swimming and diving team’s roster consisted of two seventh graders, five freshmen and one sophomore. And that’s exactly what it turned out to be, albeit with some pleasant surprises.

Huntington is the host for what in Section XI is called a “super team.” The Blue Devils are joined by athletes from Walt Whitman, Harborfields and John H. Glenn. Such combinations are fairly common as individual schools have difficulty fielding a team on their own.

The “super team” finished fourth in the league standings and seventh in a field of 24 at the county championships.

Huntington’s contingent was led by freshmen Sena Knopf and Gemma Bedell and seventh grader Lauren Reed.

“Sena is a second year varsity swimmer who continued to show great improvement in the butterfly throughout the season,” Helmke said. “She worked hard to secure her place at the league and county championships and is a competitive swimmer with solid skills that became an asset to our team. She had the determination to work hard and improve and we look forward to her continued success.”

Although just a ninth grader, Bedell already has three seasons of varsity under her belt. “Gemma knows that hard work at practice is the only way to improve,” Helmke said. “Her positive attitude and determination to succeed contributes to our team’s success.”

Reed burst on the scene on the first day of practice on August 21. “She’s an up and coming backstroke specialist,” Helmke said. “Lauren has an excellent attitude and great skills to help her improve her times and achieve her goals. This was evident as Lauren secured the last spot for the League I championships in the 100 backstroke. She bested her time and we look forward to many more great performances.”

The Huntington roster also included seventh grader Helena Sullivan; freshmen Alison Hahn, Avery Joynt and Ella Van Horn and sophomore Jessica Lee.

“Individual best times continued to improve throughout the season, resulting in six of our athletes advancing to the county championships/state qualifier, where we improved our time in each relay and individual event entered. From our core group, four swimmers and two divers achieved All-League and four swimmers achieved All-County. Their performances made for an exciting season.”

Managing a “super team” is no easy task. “Our team accomplishment was the combining of four different schools to make up an awesome squad of swimmers that worked hard together to create a successful season,” Helmke said. “Thanks to our dedicated athletes and supportive parents, we continued to improve upon the season’s success, qualifying to compete at league and county championships.”

Huntington’s entire roster will return next fall. “Our goals for next season will be to maintain a high level of sportsmanship and teamwork, improve upon our individual best times, work to improve our stan