By: Sean Atkinson ‘24

Although classes were out for Chaminade High School students, this did not stop Chaminade’s Swimming and Diving Team from training for their season. A combination of time in the water, team workouts outside the pool, and available time in the Physical Fitness Center made for a uniquely productive Christmas break for our swimmers. All exercises have been following COVID-19 safety guidelines set up by the school and New York State. Such policies include wearing masks when not swimming, spacing out to prevent contracting the virus, and do whatever can be done to keep the swimmers and their families safe. In addition, the athletes were offered optional practices during trimester exams, an option many took to get in extra training time. Mandatory practices started on Tuesday, December 21st, and ran until the morning of New Year’s Eve, December 31st. The only exceptions from practice are Christmas Day, New Year’s day, and the two Sundays following each holiday. These practices have allowed the divers to stay in shape during the lengthy break. 

The coach, Angelo Pelicone, has also devoted tremendous amounts of time to help train and strengthen Chaminade’s Swimming and Diving Team. He continues to go above and beyond with excellent technical training, inspiring each swimmer to strive to reach their fullest potential. It is common for the team to stretch together before workouts to keep the body flexible and healthy while building camaraderie. Coach Pelicone has often said to his team, “Flexibility leads to strength. By keeping the body and your muscles flexible, you are going to gain more physical strength. It’s important to take care of your bodies and your mind during and outside of practice.”

The 2021-2022 Varsity season started as usual on November 1st. Since then, our swimmers have won meets against five other high schools in the division: Iona Prep, St. Francis Prep, Kellenberg, Monsignor Farrell, and Archbishop Molloy. There have been great swims from all of our athletes throughout the season. Two juniors, Brian Kern ‘23 and Stephen McDonald, ‘23, have qualified in the 100-yard Freestyle with a time of 48.39. There are many swims in all events that are just shy of these qualifying times, exhibiting the breadth and depth of this strong team.

On January 5th, the Varsity Swimming and Diving Team defeated St. Anthony’s in a competitive dual meet. The Flyers performed very well throughout the meet, with numerous swimmers getting their personal best times and qualifying for the New York State Championship meet. Junior Stephen McDonald finished first in the 200 yard and 500 yard freestyle events. Junior Lucas Silva finished first in the 100 yard butterfly. 

The Chaminade Varsity Swimming and Diving Team remains undefeated for the 2021-2022 season. The student-athletes look forward to their upcoming meets, hoping to soar to victory with another win to continue this winning streak and extend it to the approaching CHSAA Swimming and Diving Championships. Go Flyers!