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Salem 101, Classical 80

At Tech, Classical's Katelyn Kidney was a double winner in the 50 free (26.89) and 100 backstroke (1:06.26). Tom Schumann was first in diving (182.70). Classical is 2-4.

Classical's Tom Schumann set a new Lynn high school boys diving record and teammate Katelyn Kidney won two events to lead the Rams to a 102-82 win over rival English Thursday at the Lynn Tech pool.

Schumann's 223.10 points broke the Lynn boys record set by Tech's Marcos Castellano in 2009 and it led a Classical sweep of the event. He already held the Classical boys record. Kidney won the 200 individual medley with a 2:26.83 and she took home first in the 500 free (5:28.42).

The Rams (2-4) also had wins from Peter Rondeau in the 50 free (25.73), Rachel Tomerlin in the 100 back (1:29.90) and Vladamir Genao in the 100 breast (1:27.16).

"It was a very exciting meet," Classical coach Denise Silva said. "It was nice to see so many student-athletes from the city involved in the sport of swimming."

The meet started off with a bang when the Bulldogs edged Classical by two-tenths of a second in the 200 medley relay. That team included Eddie Holland, Gean Paul Mora, Langston Toxey and Andrew Samanka (2:16.82).

Toxey won the 200 free (1:59.88) and the 100 fly (1:04.46) and Holland, a senior who came out for the team for the first time this year, won the 100 free (1:01.56). Cody Ferris, Tyler Bacon, Holland and Toxey combined to win the 400 free relay (4:12).

"It was pretty competitive," English coach Marianne Duncan said. "The kids really swam well ... I think we won five events. There were a lot of close second-place finishes."

The Bulldogs are 0-5.

Classical's Katelyn Kidney was a double winner with a first in the 200 free (2:05.30) and in the 500 free (5:33.49). Kidney, Kylie Trainor, Peter Rondeau and Mary Orlando combined to win the 200 medley relay. Tom Schumann (163.75 points) led a sweep in diving with Norah Gomez and Alexis Brito taking second and third, respectively. Schumann, Chris Hyde, Marissa Maillet and Rondeau combined to win the 200 free relay (1:59.1). The Rams are 1-4.

Marblehead 101, Classical 77

At Lynn Tech, the Magicians (5-1, 4-0 Northeastern Conference) keep on rolling. Sara Daher, Toireasa Rafferty-Millett, Katherine Foley and Megan Alexander combined to win the 200 medley relay (2:ll.94). Rafferty-Millett also won the 100 fly, Alexander the 200 free (2:00.55) and Foley the 200 IM (2:18.15). Tom Cason won the 50 free and joined Katerine Kelloway, Harrison Rodts and Austin Harshbarger on the winning 200 free relay team (1:46.81). Marblehead went unofficial the rest of the way.

Classical's Tom Schumann won diving with 175.30 points. He was coming off a record-setting performance earlier in the week. He scored 195.85 points to break the Classical High boys record set by Mukunda Manoogian in 2005. Katelyn Kidney finished first in the 500 free (5:30.13). The Rams are 1-3.

At Tech, the Rams (1-2) picked up three firsts. Peter Rondeau won the 50 free (25.90) in a hard-fought race; Tom Schumann won diving (195.85) and Katelyn Kidney took the 100 free (57.32). Classical also had several swimmers record personal bests.

Beverly was led by double winners Riley Leblanc, 200 free (2:00.97) and 100 breast (1:18.75) and Connor Flynn, 100 fly (1:06.56) and 100 back (1:09.19).

Swimming Team Outpoints Revere

Classical 91, Revere 82

At Lynn Tech, Classical's Peter Rondeau, Katelyn Kidney, and Tom Schumann had two individual wins each, and were on two relay teams placing first.

Rondeau took first in the 100 butterfly (1:07.81) and 100 breaststroke (1:19.75). Kidney took first in the 100 backstroke (1:00.8) and 200 free (2:03.37). Shumann took first in the 50 free (29.13) and in diving (177.30). Also earning first-place individual finishes were Krista Hogan in the 200 IM (3:17.34), and Rachael Tomerlin in the 500 free (7:46.56). The Rams also took two relay races: the 200 free relay with Chris Hyde, Victor Maldonado, Kidney, and Schumann (2:02.46); and the 200 medley relay with Dean Albert, Rondeau, Kidney, and Schumann (2:15.38). Classical is now 1-1.

Marcos Castellano of Tech, left, and Katelyn Kidney of Classical, right, are the Male and Female Swimmers of the Year in Lynn. (ITEM PHOTO / OWEN O'ROURKE)

Lynn Swimmers Celebrate their Success

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item, March 12, 2009

LYNN -- Although you probably won't see the Classical, English and Tech football teams breaking bread together anytime soon, when it comes to swimming, it's a different story.

The three swim teams share the Tech pool during the season, they share a diving coach (Don McKenney), and after battling each other out every February for the Lynn City Championship, they all make nice and go out for pizza. The camaraderie extends to the postseason as well, when the teams combine for their end-of-the-season banquet.

At this year's dinner, held Wednesday night at the Prince restaurant in Saugus, Tech was the toast of the town. The Tigers, under veteran coach Brad Tilley, had plenty to celebrate, having won the Commonwealth Athletic Conference Small title and the city swim meet (the latter for the first time since 1976).

Although there were plenty of accolades to go around, Classical's Katelyn Kidney and Tech's Marcos Castellano took home top honors. Kidney was named Lynn Female Swimmer of the Year and Castellano was named Lynn Male Swimmer of the Year.

Both needed a U-Haul to bring all their hardware home. Castellano was also named his team's Most Valuable Swimmer. He received a four-year senior plaque, was recognized as a CAC All-Star, and was honored as a team captain. He was also cited for setting a pool record, serving as a captain and doing well in the sectionals, states and city meet.

Kidney was named Classical Most Valuable Swimmer (female), with Peter Rondeau taking the honor for the boys. She received a plaque, along with Rondeau and Abby Field, for being a captain, and she was recognized for breaking her own Classical girls records in the 100 fly and the 100 free. Kidney, Rondeau and Field were named captains for next year.

Coaches of the three teams also selected Andrew Guy of Tech for the John Cahill Award (outstanding underclassman); Jeremy Dorson, Classical, the Michael Conlon Award (upperclassman with outstanding character); Thomas Schumann, Classical, Don McKenney Diving Award, and Mark D'Entremont, English, Scarpello Scholarship Award.

Tech coach Tilley also gave out awards to Wilfredo Garcia, Student-Athlete; Andrew Guy, Most Improved; Mike Rockwood, Coaches Award; Alex Cintron and Yulia Shebalina, Peter A. Sawin Unsung Hero Award; Bopha Choung, Spirit Award; and Fabricio Lopez and Mat Connolly, Tiger Award.

Connolly and Mike Leone received four-year senior plaques; Shebalina, Rockwood, Mario Cruz and Laleurn Prak also received senior plaques. Shebalina, Leone and Mat Connolly joined Castellano in receiving plaques for serving as captains and John Hines, Alex Quinn, Nat Noon and Choung were named captains-elect.

Additionally, Tilley announced that the Tech pool will be named after Sawin, the late coach whose tenure included all three of the schools represented last night.

Classical coach Denise Silva and assistant Christina Collella presented a host of awards to their swimmers. Kevin Mazige received Student-Athlete honors; Marissa Maillet and Chris Hyde, Most Improved; Rachel Tomerlin and Haley Ferragamo, Coaches Award; Joleen Satterwhite, Diving Coaches Award; Dorson, Peter A. Sawin Unsung Hero; Alison Steward, Spirit Award; Alicia Worthylake, Boosters Award; Louis Diaz, Ram Award; and Daveth Cheth and Abby Field, Monogram Club Award.

Cheth, Jessie Carrendano, Mazige and Dorson received senior plaques; Tomerlin received a point jacket; Dean Alberg, Connor Donovan, Ferragamo, Vladimir Genao, Hyde, Amanda Luongo, Maillet, Mazige, Erinne McCarthy, Cassie Murkison, Mary Orlando, Satterwhite, Tomerlin, Kylie Trainor and Worthylake received varsity letters; and Field, Kidney, Rondeau, Carrendano, Cheth, Dorson, Jenny Garrity, Krista Hogan and Thomas Schumann earned point bars. Lindsey Gallagher and Mary Orlando received Fun Day awards. The Classical swim team has also received the MIAA Academic Excellence Award, Gold Bordered, for having a team grade-point average of 3.789.

English High coach Marianne Duncan also had plenty of hardware to hand out. Peter Rodriguez received the Spirit Award; Abby Evans, the Peter A. Sawin Unsung Hero Award; Jen Cave, the Tiger Award; Ariel Uriote, the Boosters Award; Kelly Doran, the Coaches Award; Jenn Collignon, Most Improved; Langston Toxey, Most Valuable; Evans, Student-Athlete; D'Entremont and Cathleen Donahue, Senior Dedication Awards; and D'Entremont and Donahue, Captains' Awards. Kelly Doran and Taylor Schultz were named captains-elect.

Classical had three swimmers named to the all-star team: Katelyn Kidney, Peter Rondeau and Jeremy Dorson

LYNN -- In 1976, Brad Tilley's first year as an assistant coach on the Tech swimming team, the Tigers won the Lynn City Swim Meet. Thirty-three years later, and with Tilley serving as head coach, they won it again.

The Tigers captured the city title, held at the Tech pool, knocking off Classical, 139-128, on Saturday. English followed in third with 53.

Krista Hogan and Abby Fields from Classical present Daveth Cheth with flowers before the swim meet.

The Team

With Tech clinging to a three-point lead (117-114) over the Rams, the meet came down to the final event, the 400 free relay. Needing to have both squads finish somewhere in the top three, the Tigers placed first and third, with the quartet of Marcos Castellano, Matt Noonan, Mike Rockwood, and Andrew Guy teaming for a 412.00. That was seconds better than the 415.74 that the squad of Katelyn Kidney, Marissa Maillet, Tom Schulmann, and Jeremy Dorson put together for the Rams. The Tigers also took third with John Hines, Alex Quinton, Jeremias Abrego, and Mat Connolly teaming for a 441.53.

"The kids bought into the idea that they have to work hard in order to succeed," said Tilley, longtime head coach at Tech. "We made several changes for the meet, and can switch kids around. We weren't really able to do that before (in other years)."

Tech also took one-three in the 200 free medley in 155.55 behind Guy, Alex Quinton, Fabricio Lopez, and Saloemin Prak. They outlasted Classical's team of Maillet, Mary Orlando, Dorson, and Peter Rondeau, who compiled a 158.37. Tech's quartet of Noonan, Yulia Shebalina and Rockwood combined for a third place of 2:00.02.

Castellano was also helpful to Tech in individual events, taking the diving (198.00) and 100 free (100.83). Also taking individual firsts for the Tigers were Mike Rockwell (500 free) and Alex Clintron (100 back).

However, where the Tigers really picked up points was with the second- and third-place finishes in the various events. They compiled six additional seconds and four additional thirds to help them along the way.

"We have the type of team that we can do that," Tilley said about his team's versatility.

Rondeau was a double-winner for the Rams, taking the 50 free (26.80) and 100 breast (119.64), and was also part of the Classical quartet that won the 200 medley, along with Rachel Tomerlin, Kidney, and Schumann with 214.38. Kidney set a new school mark in the 100 fly with her 105.52. Also taking a first for the Rams was Dorson (200 free).

English's Langston Toxey engineered the only first for the Bulldogs, capturing the 200 IM in 224.51, and added a second in the 100 fly (117.91). Teammate Kelly Doran contributed a third in the 500 free.

Here are the full results:

200 medley: 1) Classical, 214.38; 2) Tech, 2:16.16; 3) Tech, 225.80

200 free: 1) Jeremy Dorson, LC, 221.14; 2) Andrew Guy, LT, 221.74; 3) Mike Rockwood, LT, 228.97

200 IM: 1) Langston Toxey, LE, 224.54; 2) Katelyn Kidney, LC, 228.91; 3) Mike Leone, LT, 254.22

50 free: 1) Peter Rondeau, LC, 26.80; 2) Alex Quinton, LT, 28.50; 3) Tom Schumann, LC, 29.95

Diving: 1) Marcos Castellano, LT, 198.00; 2) Tom Schumann, LC, 174.65; 3) Jolene Satterwhite, LC, 128.85

100 fly: 1) Katelyn Kidney, LC, 105.52; 2) Langston Toxey, LE, 117.91; Yulia Shebalina, LT, 127.11

100 free: 1) Marcos Castellano, LT, 100.83; 2) Andrew Guy, LT, 101.59; 3) Jeremy Dorson, LC, 103.86

500 free: 1) Mike Rockwell, LT, 702.43; 2) Mat Connolly, LT, 716.37; 3) Kelly Doran, LE, 802.85

200 free medley: 1) Tech, 155.55; 2) Classical, 158.37; 3) Tech, 200.02

100 back: Alex Clintron, LT, 124.83; 2) Rachel Tomerlin, LC, 126.88; 3) Haley Ferragamo, LC, 127.71

100 breast: 1)Peter Rondeau, LC, 119.64; 2) Alejandro Gonzalez, LT, 134.88; 3) Kevin Mazige, LC, 135:15

400 free relay: 1) Tech, 412.00; 2) Classical, 415.74; 3) Tech, 441.53

The Salem State pool became the domain of the Marblehead swim team on Wednesday as the Magicians dominated the Northeastern Conference championships at the O'Keefe Center.

The Magician girls rolled to a comfortable, but expected, win over Beverly while the boys easily outdistanced Danvers to win the team combined title as well.

"It was really terrific," Marblehead coach Sue Guertin said. "We had a lot of kids (who) really came through."

The Magicians won only three individual events, but used their depth to steamroll the competition.

In the girls competition, Katherine Foley won the 100 butterfly (1:03.27) and Marissa Spanos took the 50 free (29.23). The lone boys individual win came from Ted Millett in the 200 IM (2:00.22).

"We had a lot of awesome swims by everyone," Guertin said.

Classical's Katelyn Kidney won the 200 free (2:05.01) and Peter Rondeau took fourth in the 200 IM. Lynn English's Langston Toxey was second in the boys 200 free and third in the 200 IM.

At the Northeastern Conference meet at Salem State College, Marblehead's Hayley Robb won diving (193.30 points) while teammate Megan Alexander took first in the 500 free (5:26) . Classical's Katelyn Kidney took second in the 500 free with a season-best time of 5:32.

Connor Flynn of Beverly won the boys 500 free with his teammates, Taylor Wright and Ryan Hoey, took second(6:02) and third (6:11), respectively.. Zach Beal finished seventh.

Marblehead's Marissa Spanos took second in diving (155.15 points). Classical's Tom Schumann has only been diving for four weeks, but he finished sixth (147.60). Classical's Norah Gomez and Alicia Worthylake took seventh and eighth.

The meet continues today at Salem State with the remainder of the events.

S'scott 98, Classical 80

At Tech, Rams (2-5) winners included: Jeremy Dorson, 200 free (2:22.00); Peter Rondeau, 200 IM (2:36.82) and 100 breaststroke (1:20.08); Tom Schumann, diving (168.80, which qualified him for sectionals); and Katelyn Kidney, 100 back (1:08.07). The Rams won places one through four in diving; Joleen Satterwhite placed second (138.75); Norah Gomez third (113.75); and Alicia Worthylake fourth (102.8).

Salem 92, Classical 86

At the O'Keefe Center in Salem, the Rams swept the top three spots in the diving competition: Tom Schumann (176.9), Joleen Satterwhite (134.0) and Norah Gomez (119.7). Katelyn Kidney placed first in the 200 IM (2:28.72). Peter Rondeau and Jeremy Dorson both showed improvement in the 200 freestyle.

The Classical High swim team won all but two events in a 92-61 win over English Thursday at Lynn Tech.

Katelyn Kidney and Jeremy Dorson finished with four firsts. Kidney won the 200 free (2:06.89) and the 100 fly (1:09.01) and was on two winning relays. She swam the first leg of the 200 medley relay (2:09.35) with Mary Orlando, Peter Rondeau and Tom Schumann rounding out the pack. She teamed up with Rondeau, Orlando and Dorson to win the 200 free relay (1:58.33).

Dorson finished first in the 50 free (28.05) and the 100 free (1:06.44) and was on the winning 200 free relay and 400 free relay (with Schumann, Orlando and Gary Sisson).

Schumann led a Classical sweep in diving (157.85) with Jolene Satterwhite and Norah Gomez taking second and third. He also took second in the 100 free. The Rams went one-two in the 100 back, led by Haley Ferragamo (1:27.72) and Marissa Maillet, and they took the top three spots in the 100 breast, led by Rondeau (1:20.50). Kylie Trainor and Krista Hogan took the next two places.

English freshman Langston Toxey had another strong outing for the Bulldogs. He won the 200 individual medley (2:27.08) and the 500 free (5:51.80). Nick Newhall, Melody Crasa, Andrew Samanka and Jean-Paul Mora combined to take second in the 200 free relay and Mora, Newhall, Kelly Doran and Toxey finished second in the 400 free relay. Doran and Mark D'Entremont both lopped 15 seconds off their 500 free times for personal bests. English (0-4) is home Monday against Beverly.

Peabody 97, Classical 83

At Tech, Classical junior Katelyn Kidney broke her own school record in the 100 free with a second-place finish of 56.07. That bettered her 57.85, which she set virtually a year ago, on Jan. 15, 2008. Kidney also won the 200 free (2:02.74) yesterday for the Rams (1-4).

Other Classical standouts included Peter Rondeau, who won the 100 breaststroke (1:20.05); Haley Ferragamo, who recorded personal bests in the 50 free, the 500 free, and her relay split; and Tom Schumann, who made his debut in diving.

Winners for Peabody (2-3) included: Mike Diaz, a senior captain, 200 individual medley (2:32.44) and 100 free (56:00); Scott Aulson, 50 free (25:03); Steve Maruzzi, diving (216.85, which qualified him for states); Brittani Atkinson, 100 butterfly (112.46); Rachel Mullen, 500 free (6:53.26); and Julie Shea, 100 backstroke (1:11.64). Also winning for Peabody were the three relay teams - 200 medley (Shea, Steve DeMeule, Diaz, and Maruzzi, 206.00); 200 free (Atkinson, Aulson, Diaz, and Maruzzi, 1:47.61); and 400 free (Atkinson, Aulson, DeMeule, and Shea, 4:18.47).

M'head 105, Classical 73

At the Tech pool, Ted Millett of Marblehead (4-0) broke a 12-year-old Lynn pool record in the 500 free. His time was 4:54.74.

Top performers for Classical (1-3) were: Katelyn Kidney, who won the 200 free (2:03.06) and finished second in the 100 butterfly (106.77), and Rachel Tomerlin and Jeremy Dorson, who had personal bests in the 100 backstroke (1:27.72) and 100 free (105.99), respectively.

Winners for Marblehead included: Ryan Hoey, Taylor Wright, Millett, and Chris Cason, 200 medley relay (2:00.95); Katherine Foley, 200 individual medley (2:21.01); Cason, 50 free (26.28); Zach Romanovsky, diving (170.75); Megan Alexander, 100 butterfly (103.19); Wright, 100 free (1:00.84); and Billy Wyman, Cason, Wright, and Millett, 200 free relay (1:43.61).

Beverly 94, Classical 80

At the Beverly YMCA, the Rams (1-2) couldn't come up with an event win but had several solid second-place performances.

Katelyn Kidney was Classical's lone second-place finisher in individual competition, doing the honors in the 200 IM (2:33.43) and the 500 free (5:40.89). Kidney teamed with Jeremy Dorson, Tom Schumann and Peter Rondeau on Classical's second-place 400 free relay (4:35.22) while Rachel Tomerlin, Kevin Maziga, Daveth Cheth and Mark Ernsberger were second in the 200 medley relay (2:31.22).

Classical 94, Revere 71
At Lynn, the Rams took their first meet behind two individual wins by Peter Rondeau in the 200 IM (2:43.47) and 100 free (1:03.75) and Katie Kidney winning the 50 free (26.91) and 100 back (1:08.38). Also winning for Classical (1-1) were Jeremy Dorson, 200 free (2:28.21); Nancy Orlando, 100 breaststroke (1:39.78); Joey LeBlanc, diving (136.50); and Marissa Maillet, 100 fly (1:36.53). For Revere, Daniella Puerta won in the 500 free (8:29.47).

Defending Northeastern Conference champion Marblehead picked up where it left off last season, winning the NEC relay carnival by more than 200 points. Marblehead won all but one relay (the 500 progressive) to finish with 468 points. Danvers was second with 234 points, followed by Beverly (222 points), Peabody (184 points); Swampscott (118 points); Classical (116 points); Salem (58 points), English (22 points) and Revere.

The Ram Swimmers are back for another exciting year. With 44 young men and women on the roster, the team will remain strong. Co-Captains this year are Katleyn Kidney, Peter Rondeau, and Abby Field. There are high expectations for the seniors, including Daveth Cheth, Jeremy Dorson, and Jessie Carredano. Juniors Jenny Garrity and Krista Hogan are looking for some real competition. Divers include Joey LeBlanc, Joleen Satterwhite, and Alicia Worthylake.

Classical was well-represented in the Division 1 meet. Sophomore Katelyn Kidney placed fourth in the 200 freestyle (2:00.19) and seventh in the 500 freestyle (5:27.04). In her scholastic swan song, Tia Murkison placed 11th in the diving competition with a score of 334.7.

KATELYN KIDNEY, Classical - Sophomore ... Captain-elect ... First in 200 free and second in 500 free at NEC meet ... Broke 20-year record in 200 free at Tech pool ... Team MVP and team high scorer ... NEC all-star ... Swam in sectionals and states as a freshman and sophomore.

TIA MURKISON, Classical - Senior diver ... Captain ... NEC most valuable diver ... Lynn female diver of the year ... Undefeated in her senior year ... won the NEC diving meet ... qualified for sectionals and states three years ... broke her own Lynn girls pool record ... NEC all-star.

Lynn Classical Wins 11th Straight
City Swim Championship

By Pete Legasey, Lynn Journal

In 1980, when Denise Silva was a junior at Lynn Classical, she competed in the very first city swimming championship. Until the ‘79-’80 season, there was only one scholastic swim team in Lynn, founded by the late Peter Sawin, which featured swimmers from the three public schools in town.
Lynn English was the first school to claim the city title. English would defend their crown a year later... and the year after that... and the year after that. In fact, English would go on to win the city title every year until 1998, when Lynn Classical ended their dynastic run and supplanted them as city swim champs. By then, Denise Silva was back with the Rams, this time as the team’s head coach.
On February 1, Lynn Classical won the city title for the 11th consecutive year.
“To be honest with you, the city meet in itself is special whether you win, lose or draw,” said Silva, who is in her 17th season at the helm for the Classical swim program. “As competitive as we are, there is so much friendliness between us. It’s a wonderful atmosphere. It’s nice to see student athletes from each team right there clapping their hands for one another.”
The camaraderie shared by the three “rivals” is somewhat unique, but it isn’t all that surprising for a number of reasons. First of all, each of the three teams’ head coaches did, at one point, swim under the legendary Coach Sawin. Also, many swimmers from the three schools have swum together regularly at the Lynn YMCA, some of them since they were guppies. And it probably doesn’t hurt that all three teams use the pool at Lynn Tech for their home meets and, naturally, the city championship.
The Rams’ win was punctuated by the performance of sophomore Katelyn Kidney, who broke her own Lynn Classical girls record in the 100-yard butterfly stroke. Kidney took first place in the 100 fly with a time of 1:05.84, shaving 0.29 seconds off of her previous mark. Kidney also took first place in the 200 individual medley, with a time of 2:30.60.
It was a relay group of Kidney, Jetta Garrity and senior captains Eliana Field, and Eric Silva (son of Coach Denise), that got things started on the right foot for Classical, taking first place in the 200 medley relay. The Rams also took second place in the opening event, thanks to Jessica Bashore, Erin Mushette, Gabby Bono and Chris Hallassey.
Gabby Bono joined teammate Kidney as a swimmer who won two individual events at the city meet. Bono took first place in 100-yard backstroke by finishing the race in 1:13.91, and won the 100 freestyle with a time of 1:05.97. Peter Rondo was also a double winner, with first-place finishes in the 200 and 500 freestyle races.
Senior captain Tia Murkison remains undefeated as a diver. She dominated the diving competition on Friday by earning a score of 215.95, 33.1 points higher then second place finisher Marcos Castellano of Lynn Tech (182.85).
As a team, the Rams earned a score of 152 to lead the field. Lynn Tech finished second with 106 points, and Lynn English was third with 68 points. Lynn Classical came within seconds of running the table, winning 11 of the 12 events. Will Segal of Lynn English was the only swimmer able to come out on top against a Ram on this day. He took first place in the 50 freestyle with a time of 27.12.
Other first-place finishers for Lynn Classical included Eric Silva, who made his mom coach proud by winning the 100 breaststroke just weeks after completing his comeback from an ACL injury. The group of Tom Schumann, Jeremy Dorson, Chris Hallassey and Peter Rondeau won the 200 free relay. Lynn Classical capped the evening by taking first in the 400 free relay with a group of Schumann, Dorson, Rondeau and Kidney.
“It just happened to be the way it worked out this season,” Coach Silva said in summation of her team’s dominant performance in the city meet. “We had many, many swimmers turn in personal best times. That really elevated our level of competition. I’m extremely proud,” she said.
Silva credited the tireless work of assistant coaches Christina Colella and Don McKenney, who coaches diving for all three public schools in town, as playing a big role in the Rams’ success this season. She also commended her team for keeping another outstanding streak alive by earning the MIAA award for academic excellence. Teams must have an average GPA of better than 3.00 to receive the honor and the Lynn Classical swim team has qualified in each of the last 11 years.

Girls 200 free: Katie Kidney, Classical (2:03.55), Katherine Foley, Marblehead (2:06.53), Tessa Merrick, Marblehead (2:07.12).

Girls one-meter diving: Tia Murkison, Classical (212.95), Haley Robb, Marblehead (206.25), Jody Bulger, Danvers (157.05).

Girls 500 free: Kelly O'Connor, Beverly (5:26.27), Katie Kidney, Classical (5:31.31), Caroline Caliri, Marblehead (5:40.48).

Classical High's Tia Murkison made her final Northeastern Conference swim meet a memorable one by finishing first in diving with 212.95 points.

Murkison, a senior, was one of several Lynn divers and swimmers who made some noise in Day 1 of the NEC meet at Salem State College. Her teammate, Catie Chipman, finished sixth with 135 points. Marblehead's Haley Robb took second (206.25 points) and Jodi Bulger, Danvers, took third (157.05 points).

English's Will Segal also fared well in boys diving, finishing second (145.60 points) behind Peabody's Steve Maruzzi (189.35 points). Bill Wyman, Marblehead, finished third (141.85 points) and Chris Voyiagis, Classical, took seventh (90.05).

In the 500 free, the only other event held yesterday, Beverly's Kelly O'Connor finished first for the girls with a 5:26.27, but Classical's Katelyn Kidney wasn't far behind, taking second with a time of 5:31.31. Caroline Belli of Marblehead took third.

In the boys 500 free, Marblehead's Cal Gridley took first (6:04.78), Kevin Ranta of Beverly, second (6:05.79); and Nikata Klimashob, Swampscott, finished third.

The remaining events will be held tonight at Salem State College.

LYNN -- Wind, hail and other varieties of inclement precipitation plummeted from the sky. Who would expose themselves to even more of a dousing?

Welcome to the 2008 Lynn City Swim Meet, the annual struggle for aquatic supremacy between Classical, English and Tech. The Tigers pool, shared by all three schools throughout the season, played host to a night of festive competition where being drenched from head to toe was not an issue.

"All the teams are friendly with each other. They get along and root for each other. There are no problems at all," said Tech coach Brad Tilley. "This is what it's all about. This meet is real important. It adds real value to their future lives."

It was another year of dominance for coach Denise Silva and her Classical squad. The Rams won the meet for the 11th consecutive time, this year with a score of 152. The Tigers placed second with a combined score of 106, followed by the Bulldogs at 68.

"It's nice to see the city of Lynn do something so positive," Silva said. "The coaches work harmoniously; we're grateful the city puts money into it and the kids all cheer for one another."

Setting the pace for Classical were swimmers Katelyn Kidney, Gabby Bono, Tia Murkison and Peter Rondeau. Kidney finished first in both of her individual races, the 200 medley (2:30.60) and the 100 butterfly (1:05.84), and broke her own Rams girls record of 106.13 she set last season in the butterfly.

Bono was also victorious in both of her individual attempts. She won the 100 free with a time of 105.97 and the 100 backstroke at 1:13.91. Murkison took diving by 33.1 points with a score of 215.95. Tech's Marcos Castellano finished second (182.85), and Chris Voyiagis of Classical (1:42.70) placed third.

Rondeau's time of 2:29.46 was fast enough for number one in the 200 freestyle, and later in the night, Rondeau's 7:00.30 performance in the 500 free was more than 25 seconds better than the runner-up.

Ram swimmers captured 11 of the 12 events, with their only defeat coming at the hands of English's Will Segal, who finished first in the 50 freestyle with a time of 27.12.

Silva's son, Eric, won his lone individual race, the 100 breastroke, with a time of 1:30.27, and was part of the 200 medley relay group, which finished first (2:18.31), with Kidney, Jetta Garrity and Eliana Field.

"I'm really proud. The kids did exceptional," Silva said. "I'm also really proud of my son. To pull out a victory in a race he hadn't been able to swim until last week is something I'm really proud of."

Eric has recently recovered from an ACL and PCL replacement in his knee to participate in the competition. He has still not been physically cleared to partake in the diving portion.

"I've been coaching this team for 17 years. He was on my hip when I started. He couldn't even walk," his mother said.

Classical's relay team of Kelsey Ylonen, Maria Renken, Field and Mary Champigny beat out Tech's group by just over four seconds to also take home first place in the 200 free relay (2:00.22).

"The kids learned to be part of a team," Tilley said.

Aside from the students, a person who received praise from all three of the coaches was assistant coach Don McKenney, who coaches the divers of all three schools.

"Don played a huge role in the improvement of Matt Segal this year," said Bulldog coach Marianne Duncan.

Segal finished fourth in the diving competition with a score of 142.25.

Omri Bernstein won the 100 back (1:09.29) and Drew Connors, the 100 breaststroke (1:20.68). Bernstein, Connors, Andler and Gevorgyan won the 200 medley relay (1:41.78).

Classical (2-6) had wins from Peter Rondeau in the 200 IM (2:41.21); Tia Murkison, diving (233.20); and Katelyn Kidney, 500 free (5:36.69). Chris Voyiagis qualified for the states in diving with 189.20 points (second place) and Jeremy Dorson, Eric Silva, Tom Schumann and Jessica Bashore all has solid performances in their respective events.

Tia Murkison Sets New Diving Record, Classical Swimmers Perform Well Despite Defeat

Brittani Atkinson and Mike Diaz were double winners for the Tanners (2-4). Atkinson won the 200 IM (2:36.72) and the 100 back (1:11.75) and Diaz the 50 free (25.46) and the 100 free (58.43). Peabody also had wins from Kate Fitzgerald, 500 free (6:13.56); Ryan Remington, 100 breaststroke (1:21.22); and all three relays. Atkinson, Remington, Fitzgerald and Matt Fordera won the 200 medley (2:14.32); Fodera, Diaz, Rebecca Mullen and Steve Maruzzi won the 200 free (2:08.84); and Fitzpatrick, Atkinson, Rachel Mullen and Nicole Stantial won the 400 free.

Classical (2-4) had wins from Katelyn Kidney in the 200 free (2:08.89) and the 100 fly (1:07.89) and Tia Murkison in diving (217.95).

Gabby Bono, Peter Rondeau, Eric Silva and Katelyn Kidney were all multiple winners for the Classical High swim team in a 102-64 victory over Revere at Lynn Tech.

Bono won the 200 individual medley with a 2:51.12 and she won the 500 free (6:59.57). Rondeau won the100 free (1:06.21) and the backstroke (1:17.98) and Silva won the 100 breaststroke. Rondeau and Silva were also on the winning 200 medley relay team with Jessica Bayshore and Daveth Cheth.

Katelyn Kidney had another impressive outing as well, winning the 200 free (2:06.94) and the 100 butterfly (1:07.74). She was also part of the winning 400 free relay that also featured Tom Schumann, Bono and Rondeau (4:39.41), and the winning 200 free relay that included Silva, Chris Hallissey and Chris Voyiagis. Hallissey also won the 50 free (29.83) and Tia Murkison won diving (2:02.60). Voyiagis took second in diving, but qualified for the states.

Classical is 2-3 with Peabody on tap on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

DEREK FAY, Classical: Senior captain ... Lynn Male Swimmer of the Year ... second in the 50 free and fourth in the 100 breaststroke at NEC meet.

KATELYN KIDNEY, Classical: Freshman ... NEC all-star ... qualified for sectionals and states in several events ... Lynn co-Female Swimmer/Diver of the Year ... team's highest scorer ... second in the 500 at the NEC meet and third in the 200 free ... first in the 100 free at the Lynn City Swim Meet ... broke team record in the women's 100 fly.

TIA MURKISON, Classical: Junior diver ... undefeated in the NEC in diving during the regular season ... first place at the NEC meet ... 12th at the state meet ... broke her own record three times this year (Lynn girls pool record and Classical school record) ... co-Lynn Female Swimmer/Diver of the Year for the second year ... NEC all-star ... co-captain-elect.

ERIC SILVA, Classical: Junior ... NEC all-star ... qualified for the states and sectionals in diviing ... second at the NEC meet in diving ... Michael Conlon Award winner ... excellent student with a 4.64 grade-point average ... captain-elect.

Lynn Public School Swimming Teams Hold Banquet : Classical Swimmers Stand Out

The combined forces of the three Lynn Public School swimming teams held their annual joint banquet last night at the Tiger's Den at Lynn Tech.

The City Championship trophy was presented to Classical for its victory at this year's Lynn meet.

Citywide awards went to Derek Fay, Classical, Male Swimmer of the Year; and Katelyn Kidney and Tia Murkison, both of Classical, Female Swimmers of the Year.

Also recognized citywide was Eric Silva (Classical), who won the Michael Conlon Award, which is given to an exceptional student/athlete and teammate; Kara Mullin (English), John Cahill Award (outstanding underclassman in athletics, academics, enthusiasm and versatility); and Marcos Castellano (Tech), Don McKinney Diving Award (presented by official MaryAnn Murray for diving improvement).

Boosters jackets went to Yulia Shebalino and Matt Noonan (Tech); and Jetta Garrity, Kelsey Ylonen, Allison Berthiaume, Peter Rondeau, Jessica Bashore, Katelyn Kidney and Catie Chipman (Classical).

Recognized for being included on the Northeastern Conference all-star team were Murkison, Fay, Silva and Kidney (Classical) and Will Segal, English.

Kidney received a record-breaker award for setting a new 100 fly record at Classical; and Murkison received one for breaking her own Lynn pool diving record. She finished the season with 223.75 points.

Classical received recognition from the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association for attaining a team grade-point average of 3.436.

Individual school awards are as follows:

CLASSICAL

Eliana Field, student athlete; Kidney, most valuable; Abby Field and Ylonen, most improved; Berthiaume and Jesse Carredano, coaches awards; Silva, diving; Rondeau, Peter Swain Unsung Hero; Bashore, spirit award; Mary Champigny, boosters award; Mike Whelan, Ram Award (working athlete); Daveth Cheth and Jetta Garrity, Monogram Club Award.

Senior plaques were given to Fay, Whelan, and Kasey Sampson. Fay and Eliana Field got captains' plaques.

Berthiaume, Champigny, Cheth, Abby Field, Jenny Garrity, Krista Hogan, Josh Horgan, Kidney and Rondeau earned letters while Bashore, Bowden, Gabby Bono, Catie Chipman, Fay, Ferrier, Eliana Field, Jetta Garrity, Murkison, Erin Mushette, Amanda Sedille, Silva, Whelan and Ylonen earned point bars.

The Daily Item of Lynn

LYNN -- It was the Super Bowl of swimming Friday night, with Classical, English and Tech battling it out for bragging rights in the 39th annual Lynn City Swim Meet.

Classical owned this year's showdown with 170 points. Tech checked in with 87 points and English with 66 points. This counts as two meets for each team (Classical won against both teams, Tech split and English dropped both meets).

Although winning the city swim meet can take the sting off an otherwise less-than-spectacular season, the annual event is special in that the swimmers from the three schools all know one another, share the same pool and have often been teammates on YMCA and club teams.

"What camaraderie out there," Classical coach Denise Silva said. "Everyone's cheering for everyone ... the kids go out together afterward. It's a nice tribute to the city."

Classical junior diver Tia Murkison had another memorable outing, breaking her own girls pool record in diving for the third time this season with a lofty 223.75 points.

"She's done phenomenally," Silva said. "She's very driven and tremendously focused. It's nice to see all these accolades coming her way."

Classical freshman Katelyn Kidney made a splash in her Lynn City Swim Meet debut, winning the 200 free with a 2:08.58 (nearly 25 seconds faster than the second-place finisher) and the 100 free (58.63). She was also on the winning 200 free relay team. Her teammate, Gabby Bono, was a double winner with a first in the 100 back (1:13.48) and the 200 individual medley.

Classical won 11 of the 12 events, with English's Will Segal spoiling the shutout with a win in the 100 breaststroke. Tech didn't take any firsts, but coach Brad Tilley was thrilled to see his team defeat English for the first time in 10 years.

"That's a huge victory for us," Tilley said. "I'm so happy for the kids. They're great kids who work hard every day."

200-yard medley relay: Gabby Bono, Jetta Garrity, Peter Rondeau and Mike Whelan, Classical (2:19.31); Katelyn Kidney, Eliana Field, Eric Silva and Derek Fay, Classical (2:20.32); and Bopha Choung, Yulia Shebalino, Marcos Castellano and Saloeurn Prak, Tech, third (2:28.84).

200 free: Katelyn Kidney, Classical (2:09.58); Allison Bertiaume, Classical (2:34.70); Matt Noon, Tech (2:40.90); Emily Horton, English (2:44.86); Kara Mullen, English (2:53.53); and Mike Connolly, Tech (3:07.45).

200 IM: Gabby Bono, Classical (2:45.66); Peter Rondeau, Classical (2:53.12); Yulia Shebalino, Tech (3:14.07); Leymi Olivero, English (3:33.72); and Krissy Norris, Tech (4:20.09).

50 free: Derek Fay, Classical (26.81); Mike Whelan, Classical (29.34); Nick Fiste, English (32.36); Saloeurn Prak, Tech (32.55); John Hines, Tech (32.71); and James Hermida, English (36.51).

Diving: Tia Murkison, Classical (223.75 points); Eric Silva, Classical (178.95); Marcos Castellano, Tech (178.80); Will Segal, English (164.25).

100 fly: Eliana Field, Classical (1:24.17); Marcos Castellano, Tech (1:25.00); Nina Brady (1:36.16); Erin Jackson, Tech (2:01.06).

100 free: Katelyn Kidney, Classical (58.63); Derek Fay, Classical (59.10); Robert Mudri, English (1:09.80); Matt Noonan, Tech (1:11.36); John Hines, Tech (1:17.63); and Kara Mullen, English (1:20.89).

500 free: Peter Rondeau, Classical (7:04.44); Allison Bertiaume, Classical (7:14.75); Emily Horton, English (7:51.25); Mike Leone, Tech (8:01.21); Shawn Norris, Tech (8:38.16); and Mark D'Entremont, English (8:53.51).

200 free relay: Katelyn Kidney, Mike Whelan, Peter Rondeau, Allison Bertiaume, Classical (2:07.40); Saloeurn Prak, Yulia Shebalino, John Hines, Mike Noonan, Tech (2:11.89); and Eliana Field, Lauren Bowden, Jessica Bashore, Amanda Sedille, Classical (2:13.12).

100 back: Gabby Bono, Classical (1:13.48); Eliana Field, Classical (1:26.29); Bopha Choung, Tech (1:28.21); Robert Mudri, English (1:31.38); Mike Leone, Tech (1:36.61); Cathleen Donahue, English (1:47.63).

100 breaststroke: Will Segal, English (1:24.06); Eric Silva, Classical (1:30.22); Jetta Garrity, Classical (1:33.87); Leymi Olivero, English (1:37.56); Yulia Shebalino, Tech (1:37.70); and Kristina Hynes, Tech (1:53.47).

400 free relay: Mike Whelan, Allison Bertiaume, Gabby Bono, Derek Fay, Classical (4:30.59); Marcos Castellano, Mike Noonan, John Hines, Michael Leone, Tech (5:05.79); and Emily Horton, Robert Mudri, Will Segal, and Kara Mullen, English (5:06.93).

The Classical High swim team put one in the win column with a 91-64 win over Revere Tuesday at the Garfield School in Revere.

Gabby Bono, Eric Silva, Kelsey Ylonen and Bobby Adams won the 200 medley relay (2:28.06); Katelyn Kidney, Allison Berthiaume, Adams and Peter Rondeau won the 200 free relay (2:09.53) and Kasey Sampson, Lauren Bowden, Rondeau and Krista Hogan combined to win the 400 free relay (5:40.20).

The Rams (2-3) also had several individual firsts. Silva was a double winner with firsts in the 50 free (31.48) and diving (166.35). His diving score was a personal best, and it qualified him for sectionals. Berthiaume won the 200 free (2:31.63); Bono, 200 individual medley (2:41.87); Nina Brady, 100 fly (1:27.22); Derek Fay, 100 free (1:01.19) and Kidney, the 100 back (1:09.19) Kidney's performance qualified her for the sectionals.
-------------------------------------------------

LYNN -- For the tenth consecutive year, Classical's swimming team has earned the right to consider itself the champions of Lynn - as it came in first with a score of 165, followed by English (88) and Tech (75) in the 38th annual Lynn citywide meet.
"(The city meet) is, in my opinion, the greatest tradition in the entire city," Tigers head coach Brad Tilley said. "(The meet) continues to grow each year."
Tia Murkison highlighted the day's events, by not only winning the diving competion (191.75), which was good enough to qualify for the state tournament - but she was also presented an award for breaking a 23 year old award, originally held by Maria Desmaris.
"I had no idea (about the award)," said Murkison. "It definitely was a surprise. I worked really hard to get it though."
Teammate Mukunda Manoogian also earned a trip to the tourney in diving, with a score of 190.55.
The Rams dominance was not restricted to merely diving, as it also took nine other first place finishes: Gabby Bono, John Powell, Connor Calnan and Nathan Legere, 200 medley relay (2:01.52); Calnan, 200 free (2:07.56) and 100 breaststroke (1:07.86); Legere, 500 free (6:55.51); Lauryn Passariello, 200 individual medley (2:35.41) and 100 backstroke (1:09.96); Karen Hogan, 100 butterfly (1:19.88); Passariello, Chris Donovan, Mike Whelan and Bono, 200 free relay (1:59.26); and Ashley Messina, Legere, Powell and Calnan, 400 free relay.
"I'm very proud of everybody," Classical coach Denise Silva said. "I'm losing 12 seniors this year, but it still feels nice right now."
Chris Miglierina's fine season for Tech continued, as he earned the two first place finishes for the Tigers: 50 free (23.25) and 100 free (51.62). Senior captain Pat Cliffe earned a second place finish in the 100 breaststroke (1:25.50).
Tech had several third place finishes: Marcos Castellano, diving (159.80); Matt Connolly, 500 free (7:25.64); and Miglerina, Matt Noonan, Cliffe and Castellano, 400 free relay.
Brian Storey of the Bulldogs was the first to finish in the 100 butterfly, but he was disqualified. English did receive a second place finish in the 200 yard medley race (2:11.84), which was compiled of Brian Storey, George Harvey and Matt and Will Segal.
The Bulldogs had six third place finishes: Storey, 200 individual medley (2:50.39); Emily Horton, 200 free (2:50.39); M. Segal, 50 free (28.37); W. Segal, 100 breaststroke (1:28.67); Kim Hartshorn, W. Segal, Harvey and Juan Restrepo, 200 free relay (2:13.00); and Horton, Restrepo, M. Segal and Storey, 400 free relay. The meet's innovator's, the late Peter Sawin, aura could be felt throughout the entire meet.
"Just about everybody here has been influenced by (Sawin)," said Tilley. "He had his hand in it for 35 years, and tonight really felt special."
English coach Marianne Conlon agreed.
"This is a celebratory meet," she said. "(Sawin) had a big hand in it."

This past season, swimming was fun and memorable. With the aid of great coaches (Denise Silva and Mrs. Winchell) and energetic captains (Jessica Ball, Loren Bansfield, Jen Powell and Kerrie Aubrey) we had a productive year. The season began with LCHS coming in second at the relay carnival, and hopes were high for the rest of the season. Ending with four wins and two losses, the team was happy. Also, the team did well at the end of the big NEC meet at the conclusion of the year. The team also proudly remembers Peter Sawin , who recently passed away, for all his hard work and devotion to Lynn swimming.

Lynn Classical Wins 11th Straight
City Swim Championship

By Pete Legasey, Lynn Journal

Sectional Qualifiers

Girls Boys

Lynn Classical	Swimming & Diving Roster 2009 -2010
Scholar/Athlete		Grade
Vania	Aguilar	11
Dean	Albert	10
Kayla	Braswell	9
Alexis	Brito	12
Nicole	Collins	9
Melissa	Deleo	10
Louis	Diaz	12
Conor	Donovan	12
Jonathan	Dorson	9
Abby	Field	12
Joey	Field	9
Nancy	Figueroa	11
Jenny	Garrity	12
Vladimir	Genao	12
Norah	Gomez	12
Chris	Gonzalez	11
Krista	Hogan	12
Chris	Hyde	9
Matt	Ierardi	9
Katie	Kidney	12
Kostantinos	Kourembanas	10
Amanda	Luongo	11
Marissa	Maillet	11
Victor	Maldonado	12
Will	Marnik	12
Erinne	McCarthy	11
Mary	Orlando	11
Francisco	Perez	10
Hembly	Rivas	12
Peter	Rondeau	12
Eric	Rondeau	9
Marlee	Santana	10
Tom	Schumann	12
Kiana	Smith	10
Mac	St. Ives	9
Alison	Stewart	10
Paul	Strakus	12
Sam	Sweeney	10
Rachel	Tomerlin	9
Kylie	Trainor	11
Panayota	Tzortzis	11
Alicia	Worthylake	10

Lynn Classical Wins 11th Straight City Swim Championship

By Pete Legasey, Lynn Journal

Sectional Qualifiers

Girls Boys

Lynn Classical Wins 11th Straight
City Swim Championship