Senior swimmers lead by example

If a younger, less-experienced athlete in the Delaware Valley High School swimming and diving program needs help improving their technique, or maybe just an encouraging word, they don’t have to look far.

Every Warrior in the senior boys and girls teams has proven to be an effective and positive leader, including Damian Baranowski, Izaiah Berrios, Brandon Ciralli, Jilian Cruz, Shannon Deignan, Morgan Liebson, Joel Loomis, Jack Lutfy, Robert Riccio, Taylor Ristaino, Luke Stevens, and Aedan Walter.

“The seniors have been leading the team to victory this year,’’ said DV head coach Chelsea Shatt, adding they they are currently having a lot of success. "I am hopeful for our success to continue straight into Districts. The girls' team has won three straight District Championships, and the boys have won two straight District Championships.’’

A number of seniors for Delaware Valley having been notching very good times in their chosen events so far this season.

“Damian Baranowski has swum impressively so far this season and is hopeful to repeat as an individual District Champion and break our team's 200 freestyle record,’’ Shatt said. “Aedan Walter has been swimming the 100-butterfly and recently swam a personal best of 57.71. Luke Stevens is one of the most solid swimmers I have on the team and can swim any stroke with extreme proficiency. Shannon Deignan has been a consistent butterflier and backstroker for the team and is hopeful to medal at Districts.’’

The leadership skills displayed by the Class of 2020 are wide ranging and obviously effective as the Warriors strive toward another championship season.

“The seniors lead by example,’’ Shatt said. “They are at practice every day encouraging their teammates to become the best versions of themselves. They also handle themselves with poise when faced with adversity.’’

The PIAA District 2 Championship Meet is scheduled for Feb. 28 and 29 at the Wilkes Barre Catholic Youth Center.

“Other notable swimmers include Sierra Gillan, Marisa Dambach, Sierra Hartmann, Victoria Corcoran, Julia Weinreb, Steven Schermerhorn, Lucas Santiago, Evan Dong and Robert Holderith,’’ Shatt said. “I believe that these swimmers will couple with the rest of the team to help us win at Districts again this year.’’