Katonah Swimmers Celebrate at “The Counties”

Thursday night Katonah Swim & Dive Team wrapped up four days of swim competition at the 87^th annual Westchester County Swimming Association Championships with a night out at the Rye Playland Amusement Park.

Katonah sent 12 swimmers to the pool at Playland to compete with over 50 clubs throughout Westchester County: Mary Helen Baudinet, Michael Baudinet, Kieran Brown, Jack Buckley, Lily Buckley, Brian Crane, Kevin Crane, Kerry Kelly, Sabine Nix, Kaz Sampson, Lucy Siegel, Molly Siegel.

“The Counties”, as it’s known, began in 1926 and Playland’s 50-yard pool has been host to relays, IMs, and individual events for over 50 years. 2011 was supposed to Playland’s last year, but Katonah swimmers were thrilled to return again this year. 

With themed days set for different days, it makes for a fun atmosphere. Wednesday was “red-white-and blue day” and it showed on the painted faces of coaches and swimmers alike!  Sporting team colors is also popular. On Thursday many coaches were busy spray-painting their swimmers’ hair. Team banners draped behind the stands made for a colorful backdrop to the cheering teams, and for a comparatively small group Katonah’s voice was loud when their swimmers were up!

On Monday Kevin Crane, 10, swam in his very first Counties event. Although he came to Counties last year, it was as a spectator with his arm in a cast. Broken in the spring, he missed last summer’s entire season as well as the beginning of winter swim. This year, he has had a successful summer season and swam all four days of Counties, one event per day. Favorite part of Counties? “The 50 back!” Crane replied quickly with a big smile.

Kerry Kelly swam the 13 & under 200 IM on Wednesday to a bronze medal! Undefeated in NWSC Division II 14 & under back, fly, and free, and the new Katonah record holder in fly, an ear infection prohibited her from further participation in the meet. “I had to scratch the other events because I have swimmers ear,” said Kelly on Thursday as she cheered on KSDT teammates and friends from other teams. “But I’m having fun!”

Kaz Sampson, also undefeated and a Katonah record holder in his three events, was last year’s Counties Champion in the 12 & under 50 breast. This year at 13, he finished in the top 10 in all four of his 14 & under events: Monday 9^th and 1^st alternate in the 100 free just .14 seconds out of the top 8 finals, Tuesday 7^th in the 200 IM, Wednesday 10^th and 2^nd alternate in the 100 fly, Thursday 4^th in the 100 breast. 

Michael Baudinet, another undefeated Katonah record holder, qualified for the finals in the 17 & under 100 back and finished 7^th overall.

But it was not over yet! The last day of Counties is the unofficial Playland night for many of the clubs! Teammates Katie Liebowitz (with brownies for everyone!), Matt Dunworth, Pat Kelly, Lauren Wolter, and Erin Wolter came to the meet on Thursday, and after cheering on Sampson and Baudinet in their finals, they all moved together over to the amusement park.

Waiting on line at the Dragon Coaster, they waved to their friends on other swim teams who went running by in their brightly colored t-shirts. With only a couple of hours to play, Coach Erin Knapp led the way to the Super Flight, Sky Flyer, Starship 2000, Thunderbolt, The Swing, Bumper Cars (oooh…shut down, park closing ..!) With the clock approaching the 10pm closing time, the Katonah team bolted to their favorite last ride (no time for the Log Flume!) and were literally the last ones let on – The Playland Plunge. What better way to end the day than the way they started? Soaking wet! The Plunge boat drops you 50 feet into a pool with a huge splash. Out they came dripping, laughing, and ready to eat! 

A good time was had by all!

Swim Results:

Mary Helen Baudinet – 32^nd 17 & under 100 back

Michael Baudinet – 7^th 17 & under 100 back

Kieran Brown – 76^th 10 & under 50 free, 69^th 50 back

Jack Buckley – 27^th 12 & under 50 free

Lily Buckley – 26^th 10 & under 50 fly

Brian Crane – 47^th 12 & under 50 back, 32^nd 50 fly, 45^th 50 free

Kevin Crane – 42^nd 10 & under 50 breast, 29^th 50 back, 26^th 50 fly, 44^th 50 free

Kerry Kelly – 3^rd 13 & under 200 IM

Sabine Nix – 37^th 14 & under 100 breast

Kaz Sampson – 7^th 13 & under 200 IM, 9^th 14 & under 100 free, 10^th 100 fly, 4^th 100 breast

Lucy Siegel – 64^th 12 & under 50 breast, 70^th 50 free

Molly Siegel – 54^th 12 & under 50 breast, 86^th 50 free