Apponequet swim teams grow in numbers, success
Feb 21, 2024
Apponequet swimmers compete in the pool against Old Rochester on Feb. 1.
Apponequet seniors were honored at a meet against Old Rochester on Feb. 1. Photos by Brendan Cassidy
Athletes dive into the pool for the start of an event.
Both Apponequet swim teams won 2 meets this season.
The Apponequet swim program includes students attending Freetown-Lakeville Middle School.
LAKEVILLE — Growth was the theme of the 2023-2024 season for the Apponequet Regional High School swimming program.
Both the boys and girls teams featured small rosters compared to their opponents, with nine and 13 swimmers respectively. The teams included a number of 7th and 8th grade swimmers from Freetown-Lakeville Middle School.
The boys finished with a record of two wins and six losses while the girls finished with two wins and seven losses.
Boys’ Head Coach TJ Ashley and girls’ Head Coach Tracy Owen each saw notable improvement from the beginning of the season to the end.
“While we didn't emerge victorious in every meet, many of our swimmers achieved personal best times,” said Ashley. “It was evident that the boys were eager to improve their skills.”
A year ago, the boys team had just six athletes on its roster and finished the season winless.
Ashley considered the 2023-2024 season a success due to the growth shown at individual and team levels.
Two Apponequet boys qualified for the Division II South Sectional Tournament: Juniors Eugene Jung and Hunter Owen. Jung qualified in the 200 meter individual medley and the 100 meter breaststroke. Owen qualified for the 100 meter backstroke.
Tracy said that there were a number of swimmers on the girls team who had never swum competitively before this season. She said that her favorite part of coaching the team was “watching [the younger athletes] contribute and start to make some real adjustments and believe in themselves.”
For both teams, upperclassmen served as leaders, helping younger athletes grow comfortable.
“Their welcoming attitude and mentorship made for a smooth transition for our younger members who joined us from the Freetown-Lakeville Middle School,” said Ashley.
The girls team featured one senior, Lauren Bernaiche, who will attend Thomas Jefferson University in the fall and play softball.
“She has swum competitively for about ten years,” said Tracy. “Her experience alone was very beneficial.”
Ashley said the strength of the boys team was their versatility, with many athletes having the skill and endurance to participate in many different events.
According to Tracy, the relay team of Bernaiche, Maddie Voci, Nora McClurkin and Charlotte Carvalho provided the Lakers with success throughout the season.
