They say that history repeats itself, but it looks like the girls’ swim team at South is bringing a new meaning to it. Last January, the Pirates were 8-1 overall in the Colonial Division and were 8-0 in their conference. Currently the Pirates are 9-1 in the division, and 9-0 in their conference. Just this past weekend, the Pirates also took the title at the annual Pirate Invitational — they came in second last season, although there was one more team participating last year) — where they claimed 8 gold medals out of 11 events for their third team title in six years. The title came days after the girls overcame crosstown rivals North.
The South girls continue to be led by the success of Meredith Ketchmark, Rebecca Lewinson, Brynja Winnan, and other strong leaders on the team. Lewinson won the 200 individual medley, 100 breaststroke, and was part of the winning 400 free relay at the Pirate Invitational. The 200 medley relay team — which, in addition to Ketchmark and Lewinson, consisted of freshmen Cori Michibata and Jocelyn Yuen, who have been swimming on par with the rest of their senior teammates since the beginning of the season — even broke a record by .24 seconds with a time of 1:49.31. The record was set in 1997. Lewinson also took first in the 100 breaststroke, with a time that was second in the state this season, at 1:07.59.
So far, the South girls look to be on the same path they were last year — one that led them to a Mercer County championship and took them all the way to the state final, where they ultimately fell to Westfield, 106-64. However, in the loss, Brynja Winnan, Ketchmark, and Lewinson all swam some of their best times at that meet, and all will surely be aiding the team this year. Lewinson has also already earned two state titles (at the Meet of Champions last year), and it seems like she has not lost any of that steam yet.
The South boys also had a great showing this year at the Pirates, with a third place finish, led by Joseph Grant, who won the 50 and 100 freestyle and was part of the second-place 200 medley and 400 free relay teams.
