Swim team wraps up a record breaking season

GHS finished up the regular season with a 4-4 record, beating Lynn English, Lynn Classical, Peabody and Salem. 

The performances by Gloucester swimmers at Sectionals and States ended the most successful season since the teams establishment in 2014. 

“The experience and competitiveness from our seasoned swimmers, combined with the talent of our newer athletes, really allowed us to excel in the conference,” said coach Mercedes Lane.  “The best aspect of this team is the level of support and sportsmanship among the athletes. Everyone encourages and supports one another, regardless of skill or speed.”

At the girls Sectional meet, Gloucester had swimmers in the 200 medley, and 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle relays.  Mila Barry, Willow Barry, Madison Moseley, Sarah Fernandes, and Caroline McKay all competed in these relays. M. Barry, Fernandes, W. Barry and Mosley started the meet with the 200 medley placing 28th overall. In the 200 freestyle relay, M. Barry, Fernandes, Moseley, and McKay dropped 1.75 seconds, going a 1:54.27 finishing 21st overall. The same girls dropped .30 seconds in the 400 freestyle. 

For individual events, sophomore McKay and junior Sam Groleau each swam two. McKay had a phenomenal 50 freestyle, going a 24.34, earning her 1st place. She also swam the 100 freestyle with a 55.52 to get her 9th place. Both of her races were personal best times. 

Groleau swam the 200 yard individual medley and 100 breaststroke. In the 200 yard individual medley, Groleau placed 13th going a 2:04.71, dropping 6.30 seconds from his regular season time. He placed 8th overall in his 100 breaststroke, dropping 3.02 seconds from his regular season time. Both of his times were personal bests.

At States, Gloucester had two swimmers competing. On Saturday, McKay ended her season well with a seventh place finish in her 50 free, going a 25.07 and putting her on the podium. In the 100, she went a 57.35, placing her 19th overall. On Sunday, Groleau had a great meet. He finished 14th in his 200 individual medley going a 2:03.79, an improvement of 0.92 seconds from the week prior. Groleau came in 7th in his 100 yard breaststroke later in the meet with a time of 1:01.09; a best time by 0.61 seconds. 

This swim earned him a place on the podium. Groleau and McKay were both the first GHS swimmers to medal at both Sectionals and States. 

The team is recruiting swimmers for next year. No experience necessary. Students interested in joining the team should contact Mila Barry at [email protected] or Sam Groleau at [email protected].