When it was all over, it was the squad from Council Rock North standing atop the podium with the trophy at the Suburban One League Patriot Division girls swimming championships, held on Saturday at Council Rock North.
Kaitlyn Landers led the charge for the Indians. She won the 50-yard freestyle in 24.01, eclipsing a 22-year-old pool record of 24.19 set in 2002 by Jessica Lewis of Parkland. She also finished first in the 100 butterfly (57.52).
“The record was a pleasant surprise,” said Landers, a junior who was the only person at the meet to take home gold in two individual events. “I wasn’t thinking about it at all. Every time I race I just try to do my best.
“I feel like I’m in a good place for districts. I’m feeling really good about where I am, and I feel good about the team. We had an incredible meet.
“We had so many people swim well and I think that represents how hard we’ve been working and how much fun we’ve been having. We’re all so close and there’s so much energy.
“I’m looking forward to districts. My sister (Meghan) made it in her event and it’s the most special thing in the world to me. I’m so excited for her. That was the best part of the day.”
Emily Kennedy won the 200 individual medley (2:20.83) and Meghan Landers captured the 100 backstroke (1:01.88) for CR North.
“I was so excited for that race and to have that win and represent such an amazing team was the best thing ever,” said Kennedy, a junior. “This was the first time I won an individual event and that’s such a thrill.
“Winning the league is something we always strive for. We just wanted it so bad and this team is so passionate and I’m just glad to be a part of it.”
The Indians won all three relays.
Meghan Landers, Jordan Klemmer, Aisling McDermott and Cymberly Tsai won the 200 medley relay (1:58.21). Sara Bing, Kennedy, Elizabeth Maltby and Kaitlyn Landers took first in the 200 freestyle relay (1:41.87) and Bing, Kennedy, Maltby and Kaitlyn Landers ended the meet with a victory in the 400 freestyle relay (3:40.19).
CR North posted a score of 621 points for the competition.
“I’m very proud of the team,” said Bing, a junior. “We’ve had a lot of individual bests for everybody and that’s so important at this time of year. I love the atmosphere on this team. We celebrate each other’s victories.
“I gave it my all and I think everyone did. It’s just so nice to get in the pool and swim well and we all did that.”
Diving was held on Wednesday, Feb. 7, also at CR North.
The host team’s Lillian Tetreault posted a score of 342.45 to capture first place.
“I’m really excited to win,” said Tetreault, a senior. “I think my dives were pretty consistent. My vols (voluntary dives) are usually pretty good and I think I can count on them most of the time and I’m proud of my ops (optional dives).
“I’m very excited for districts now. I just want to leave everything out there on the board and give it my all.”
Elena Rhoge of Council Rock South won the 200 freestyle in 1:57.17 while Taylor Jiras was first in the 500 freestyle (5:13.76) and Ella Rossi touched first in the 100 breaststroke (1:06.07).
“I’m really happy with that time,” Rossi said. “It’s been a long time coming (she lowered her own school record) and our (400 freestyle) relay is close to the school record. That’s really exciting to me.
“Now I’m really excited for districts. I can’t wait to see what we can do.”
Jiras is a freshman.
“I was just hoping to swim well and get my best times,” she said. “I didn’t get my best times, but that’s OK. I’m not tapered at all, so we’ll see what I do at districts. I’m just a freshman so if I don’t get to states it won’t be a big deal. This has all been a learning experience.
“This year has been so much fun and this meet was amazing. It was everything everyone told me it would be, and it was so much fun to go to the boys meet and cheer for them.”
CR South was second in team scoring (406).
“I love this pool and there have been so many memories here, so this is bittersweet because it was my last meet here,” said Rhoge, a senior. “This year our team is huge and it’s so nice to have that. So many of our girls placed and I’m so proud of everyone.
“It’s so different from my freshman year, which was COVID. It’s such a happy team and this was a great day for us.”
Liliana Rios was Neshaminy’s highest finisher, taking second in the 100 freestyle (57.37).
“I’m really happy with my swim,” said Rios, a senior.
Neshaminy was fourth in team scoring (222).
The District One championships will be held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24, at the York YMCA’s Graham Natatorium. Diving will be held at North Penn’s Rick Carroll Natatorium on Friday.
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