While you may have not seen the Harriton Swimming and Diving team around school- considering they practice every day at our sister school, Lower Merion- they have been working very hard this season. With the loss of many talented senior swimmers last year, the team looked forward to introducing its newer, younger swimmers this season, as well as continuing to improve the strokes of its veterans.

The team started out with great success. In the first meet of the year against Springfield High School, Raphaelle Bonin placed first in diving. She, as well as fellow junior Andy Menard, both qualified for central league championships. At the same meet, senior Grant Fisher and freshman Claire Weiss both placed first in the 500 free, earning them their own spots in the central league championships.

Since that first meet, Raphaelle and Andy Menard have kept up their top place finishes. Due to their hard work and impressive performances, the two were awarded spots in the District meet. Grant Fisher also qualified for Districts in the 500 free. Additionally, the team has seen great individual efforts recently: Junior Taylor Brusilow won 1^st in the 100 breast and Junior Lily Furcht won 1^st in the 100 free against Haverford High School.

The team even saw its first win for the boys’ team in four years when Harriton bested Valley Forge Military academy. Although winning is always a great achievement, the swimming and diving team enjoy their time at practice. They maintain a work-hard, swim-hard attitude (especially at their 5:30 AM morning practices), keeping a light and fun atmosphere in the water.

While the swim season is almost over, the team would love to see some support from the Herd at some of its final meets, especially Senior night, which is coming up on February 3^rd.  Go visit the Natatorium at LM and see what they’re all about!