A Perfect Season for Oakton Swim

By Katie Pierce

Oakton High School’s Varsity Swim and Drive teams are undefeated for the second season in a row after a Friday win over Chantilly High School at Cub Run RECenter.

The girls won with 205 points over Chantilly’s 110. The boys won with 162 points over Chantilly’s 153.

The meet began with the dive portion where Hana Burkly and Julia Powell took first and second place for Oakton; Bennett Fagan placed second.

The meet continued with consistently strong swims from Oakton giving them another undefeated season.

Parker Ramsdell, head coach of Oakton Swim, expressed pride in his winning team.

"Our first goal this season was to go undefeated, and we are thrilled to have accomplished that! It was a team effort and every swimmer and diver played an important role in getting us to this point," he said. "Our goal has now changed to defending both the boys and girls Concorde Championships. With the incredible talent in our district, it will be an incredible challenge, but one we are excited and ready for."

Janet Hu placed first in the 200yd Freestyle and the 100yd Backstroke. Megan Byrnes took first place for Oakton in the 200yd Individual Medley and the 500yd Freestyle. Laura Branton won the 50yd Freestyle and 100yd Freestyle. Gillian Crews placed 1^st in the 100yd Butterfly. Melissa Shebat took first place in the 100yd Breaststroke.

Philip Hu won the 200yd Individual Medley and the 100yd Freestyle. Denny Nguyen placed first in the 500yd Freestyle and the 100yd Backstroke. Nathan Pawlowicz took first in the 200yd Freestyle and the 100yd Breaststroke.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this team, we have worked extremely hard,” said captain Ashley Nero, a senior, as she reflected on another successful season for the girls’ team. "The girls have only lost one meet in the past four years; it’s a great way for our seniors to head out.”

Oakton will return to the pool Friday for the Concorde District meet at Cub Run RECenter in Chantilly, Va.

Boys’ diving will begin at 10:45 a.m., followed by girls’ diving at 2 p.m. and swimming preliminary rounds at 5:30 p.m.

Swimming finals will take place 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Cub Run RECenter.

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