Ellsworth High School celebrated its seniors at the team’s final home swim meet on Friday, Jan. 20. From left to right the seniors are: Robert Springer, Leah MacPherson, Ellie Anderson, Jordan Berry, Aliyah Washburn, Logan Williams, Caroline Mazgaj and Lauren Judson.
Ellsworth High School celebrated its seniors at the team’s final home swim meet on Friday, Jan. 20. From left to right the seniors are: Robert Springer, Leah MacPherson, Ellie Anderson, Jordan Berry, Aliyah Washburn, Logan Williams, Caroline Mazgaj and Lauren Judson.
ELLSWORTH — Despite the inclement weather, the Ellsworth High School swim team put in a strong performance at its last home meet of the season on Friday, Jan. 20,, defeating Hampden by a combined score of 120-46.
“Spirits were high and the camaraderie of the teams was noted,” said Ellsworth head coach Jim Goodman. “In particular, Hampden only had 12 swimmers, but their team presence was noteworthy and they were the epitome of sportsmanship and team spirit, cheering on their swimmers in every event they swam. A great effort was made by all, and some good times achieved, along with additional state qualifications.”
The Eagles also celebrated their seniors ahead of the meet, handing out roses that the swimmers then shared with their parents.
“The team has eight departing student-athletes who will be very much missed next season but cheered on their continued journey to new adventures and challenges ahead of them,” Goodman said.
Caroline Mazgaj, Jordan Berry, Ellie Anderson, Leah MacPherson, Lauren Judson, Aliyah Washburn, Logan Williams and Robert Springer all swam their final laps at the Down East Family YMCA during their competition against the Broncos.
Spurred on, perhaps, by the thought of this being their final home meet, several of these seniors notched first-place finishes in their respective events. Mazgaj was part of relay teams that won both the 200-yard medley (1:58.61) and 200-yard freestyle (1:56.35). She also finished first in the 100-yard backstroke (1:11.53). Berry was also a part of the winning 200-yard medley team and took first place in the 100-yard backstroke (1:13.66).
Leah MacPherson took the top spot in the 200-yard freestyle (2:19.64) while also contributing to a win in the 400-yard freestyle relay (4:31.50) along with Washburn, Berry and sophomore Ella Montgomery.
On the boys’ side, senior Robert Springer won the 200-yard freestyle (2:04.01) and the 100-yard backstroke (1:08.04) while also contributing to team wins in the 200-yard freestyle relay (1:44.97) and 400-yard freestyle relay (3:59.66).
“We wish them all ‘fair winds and following seas’ when they graduate and move on to the next chapter of their adventure in life,” Goodman said.
Ellsworth’s divers were also in action this week, competing on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Isherwood Diving Invitational at Husson University. The Springers, Kiera and Kaela, bested four other competitors from both MDI and John Bapst. Kaela finished in second place with a score of 205.55 while Kiera finished first, and set a new team record, with her score of 227.55. Kiera also competed in the swim meet the day before, winning the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 59.17.
“Our divers travel to the Bangor YMCA or to Husson for diving practice most nights of the week,” coach Goodman explained. “This is true dedication to the sport on part of the Springers.”
For diving competitions, Kiera and Kaela are coached by Jodi O’Neal, who is also the diving coach for both Bangor High School and John Bapst.
The swim team will finish its season with three away meets before the boys’ varsity league championships are held on Friday, Feb. 10, at UMaine-Orono. The girls’ varsity championships will be held in the same location the following day on Saturday, Feb. 11.
