Schools

Swim Team Could Be In Uncharted Waters

Coach Amanda McCarthy says this is deepest and most talented team at BHS.

Berlin's swimming and diving team went 5-5 last year and saw many from the team earn spots in the state championship.

While Shannon Jedrzejczyk will be missed after graduating, there are many swimmers returning to give Berlin reason it will have one of the best years in program history.

Back to lead Berlin are: senior Kate Piotrowicz (200 free, 100 free, 50 free, 100 fly), senior Briana Cass, (100 free and 50 free), senior Taylor Recck (50 free, 100 free), senior Megan Pitkin (200IM, 100 fly, 500 free), junior Joanna Wojtun (200IM, 100 Breast) and junior Katherine Burek (100 Breast). All of these swimmers made the state meet in individual events last year.

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Also back is top diver Leah Pawelcyk, who made the states last year. Amanda Martino will also be returning after taking a season off.  Coach Amanda McCarthy expects her to step up this season and have an outstanding year.

The top newcomers for Berlin appear to be: Kelsey Kozikowski, Holly Chirico, Kayla Cervoni and Arian Silas.

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"I believe all these young ladies will play a large role in our starting line-up and I am excited to see what they can do," McCarthy said.

The leadership on the team will come from captains Briana Cass, Kate Piotrowicz and Taylor Recck.

"We have a large returning senior and junior class, which gives the team great depth and leadership," said McCarthy, a former Berlin standout swimmer. "Seven of my returning girls qualified for States in individual events and I am counting on them this year for an even stronger performance. 

"The incoming freshman class looks great. They are versatile, hard working, and enthusiastic. One of our weaknesses is that we don't have a 'home' pool. We only get an hour and a half to practice each day and it is truly a disservice to the girls on the team."

When asked for the toughest teams on the schedule, McCarthy said. "Hall-West Hartford will probably be the best team in our division. They were ranked in the state last season and I expect they will be again this season. I foresee us being at least in the middle on the pack in our division."

McCarthy has high hopes for this edition of the swim and diving team.

"We hope to improve our record and get our best times throughout the season," she said. "I hope to increase the amount of State qualifiers to a record number and improve our standing from last year. I would also like to see some girls/relays qualify for the State Open meet. 

McCarthy said she has two senior swimmers, Briana Cass and Kate Piotrowicz, who are planning to swim in college and are starting the recruiting process. 

New England Athletic Club (NEAC) is the new home of the Redcoats.

"I am thrilled to be coaching with such a positive group of girls," said the former Iona College swimmer. "This team has the depth and talent, and therefore the potential to be the best swimming and diving team Berlin High School has ever seen. We have 49 girls on the team this year which I believe is the biggest team we have ever had. The girls are positive, hardworking, motivated and ready for a fun and successful season filled will best times.

Berlin opens at Plainville Wednesday.


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