Del Val swimming had outstanding season

Each piece of the puzzle, from a compassionate and inspirational coaching staff (including assistant coaches Erica DiMarzio, Heather Linehan, Ben Mitchell and Grace Riexinger) to the dedicated, competitive and encouraging student athletes on the roster, fit together just right for the Delaware Valley High School swimming program (boys and girls squads) this past winter season.

The results speak for themselves as the Warriors’ girls team finished with an 8-1 record and the boys team had a mark of 7-0.

“The boys were undefeated in League play and were League champions,’’ Delaware Valley head coach Chelsea Shatt said. “The girls only lost to Scranton Prep, so we were second in the League. The contests that stood out at the most impressive were The Leslie Richards Championships held at Scranton High School. We had incredible time drops and many medal winners. Also, the District Championship stood out to me as the best because we were able to capture the District title for both the girls and the boy’s teams. We won multiple medals and had individual winners as well.

“The girl’s medley relay team of Sierra Hartmann, Sierra Gillan, Shannon Diegnan and Marisa Dambach won gold. Sierra Gillan also won gold in her two individual events of the 100 butterfly and the 100 breaststroke. Victoria Corcoran won the gold medal in the 500 freestyle. On the boy’s side, Damian Baranowski won the 200 freestyle and the 100 freestyle. Luke Stevens won the 200 individual medley and Aedan Walter won the 100 butterfly. The boys 200 freestyle relay team of Damian Baranowski, Evan Dong, Aedan Walter and Luke Stevens also won gold.’’

Coach Shatt named Deignan and Baranowski as being among the team leaders for the 2019-20 season.

“Damian and Shannon were my two seniors that emerged as leaders this year,’’ Shatt said. “They were at every practice leading by both example and encouragement. I am going to miss all of my seniors this year we had a really good group. There was also an emergence of the juniors becoming leaders. I am excited for them to take charge next year. ‘’

Improvements were made continually for the Warriors this past season.

“Aedan showed improvement all season,’’ Shatt said. “Every time he swam the 100 butterfly he got faster. At the District meet he was able to win gold and capture our team record. I was also incredibly impressed with sophomore Sierra Hartmann. She swam some really tough events for us this year and emerged victorious. Even as a sophomore, I can tell she is going to be a great leader for us as she continues through her high school career.’’

This group of swimmers won’t be forgotten for all of the right reasons and the success of the program will possibly continue well into the future.

“My assistant coach (Erica DiMarzio) and I kept saying this was a ‘season for the record books’ because so many team records were broken,’’ Shatt said. “Sierra Gillan, Damian, Luke and Aedan were all among athletes that broke records for us. I am very excited because our underclassmen are so strong. I think that we will be able to continue our winning tradition.’’