Practicing hard and swimming strong finally paid off for 14 swimmers whom qualified in 70 events for the 78th annual National Catholic Championship Meet in Philadelphia. Students, families, and coaches arrived Friday January 27th to get ready for an exciting weekend of high school swimming.
“We went to bed early, in order to be prepared for the next day. We had to be well-rested and strong to be able to swim our hardest,” said senior Meg Blodgett.
Leaving early, the next morning swimmers left the hotel for Villanova University for preliminaries in 11 events. As the team left they were overjoyed because several swimmers qualified for finals. After an exciting day of swimming, the team gathered together for evening Mass at Mother of Divine Providence.
“Having Mass Saturday night was a fantastic way to end the day, as well as a great start going into Catholic schools week,” said senior Beth Desel.
Following Mass, coach Courtney and the team had a family style Italian dinner at Maggiano’s at the King of Prussia Mall. Waiters first brought out appetizers including giant mozzarella sticks, calamari, and salads. With a variety of dishes to choose from, the girls had everything from gnocchi and Italian sausage to fettuccine alfredo.
“There was so much authentic Italian food, I honestly think I ate my weight! But more importantly I was able to share a dinner with my teammates,” said junior Anna Minnick.
Later everyone headed back to the hotel for a team meeting. Coach Courtney fired up the swimmers for the next day. As a tradition, each swimmer shared memories they will miss and admire about the seniors. There were countless laughs as the circle rounded.
“I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard! The team shared memorable moments that I will never be able to forget, I love them all so much!” said senior Lyndsay Harrison.
Pumped up for finals Sunday morning, Mount De Sales students walked in to La Salle University confidently and ready to fight their regular season rival, Archbishop Spalding. Sophomores, Allie Caulfield and Kristen Vargas, and juniors, Cassie Jordan and Katie Nevin, swam the first event of the day, 200 Medley Relay. Placing second with a time of 1:53.36, the swim team started the day off with a bang.
“That first relay really set the pace for the rest of the day, everyone was on their feet cheering their heads off. It’s really fun being part of a team that is so energetic,” said sophomore Allie Caulfield.
Sophomore Kristen Vargas seeded third going into finals for the 200 IM exceeded and surpassed rival from Archbishop Spalding, and placed first. Fans in the stands and the team went wild.
With continued success, the next relay, 200 Free Relay, placed 2nd with a time of 1:43.00. Juniors Katie Nevin and Cassie Jordan, sophomore Kristen Vargas, and freshman Kelly Long held their place between Notre Dame Preparatory School and Seton School.
“The whole atmosphere of the people at La Salle really got us going. We knew that we could do it, so we went for it,” said Katie Nevin.
Cassie Jordan, junior, and Kristen Vargas, sophomore, swept in taking second and fourth place for Mount De Sales in 100 breaststroke. Only .46 seconds separated the two teammates. Lastly in the 400 Free Relay, sailor swimming took fourth. Sophomores Kellen McDonald, Alyson Schmid, Allie Caulfield, and freshman Kelly Long were ecstatic with how well their team did.
Mount de Sales Academy left Philadelphia with a National Catholic Champion, several medalists, and a third place girls’ team trophy. With their regular season completed, the seniors of the team had only their high school championships left.
“I can’t believe this is my last year, I’m going to miss everything about sailor swimming. These kids are my family,” said senior Bridgette Lappe.
C. Hunter ’12