Big Year Ahead for Cranford's Swim Team

With over 40 swimmers and only five seniors, it would seem that the cards are stacked against the Cranford swim team this year.

But what the Cougars lack in age, they make up for in unity. 

Their solidarity is also complimented by a key conference realignment.  The new format ensures CHS solely swims in co-ed meets - an important advantage according to both the swimmers and their coaches.

"They're a great set of guys and girls," said junior swimmer Eric Walano.  "Our relays have carried us every year, and we've been competing co-ed the last couple of years.  [The realignment] will give us a better look at where we are as a team."

Looking back to last season, assistant coach Colleen Donnelly noted that the loss of some top swimmers has not gone unnoticed, but she is proud of their continued achievement at the next level. 

"Some of our top swimmers [from last year] are still swimming in college now," she said.

Though the team lost some formidable talent, Cranford "gained back a few stronger swimmers, and the returning swimmers have gained speed and strength," Donnelly said.  She was also pleased with the swelling freshman lineup. "We have a lot of freshman boys this year that we're hoping to develop."
   
In addition to the incoming freshmen, both Donnelly and head coach Barbara Kolesa expect solid results from their established leaders.

"We expect big things from junior Kathleen French," Donnelly said.  "She has a personal goal to go under one minute in the 100 yard freestyle.  Last year she almost did it, and she's out to get that time this year."

French echoed her coach's sentiments, commenting on that goal, as well as her team's for the upcoming season.  She is looking forward to "new swimmers and old swimmers accomplishing their goals," and working toward "being number one in our division." 

"I want to break 1:00 in the 100 free and to drop time in my 200 individual medley," she said
   
She was the first of many to touch on the team's camaraderie in and out of the pool.

"We always go out to dinner, or we'll all grab a snack before meets.  We're a close-knit family," she said.  "We're going to do well."

Kelly Miller is a junior standout and a girls' leader for the 2009-10 season.  Her endurance is a major factor in their team's successes.

"She is one of our stronger breast strokers," Coach Donnelly said of Miller.  Her smart and disciplined swimming is one of her best attributes.  "She made amazing times in the 500 IM.  It's a 20-lap event, and she would go 16 at a great pace, but the last four laps she would sprint." 
   
Walano is a leader for the boys.  He is the top butterfly swimmer and one of the best freestyle sprinters.  He also feels that the team bond is a strong and special one.
   
"We see each other out of the pool and get along very well," he said of his teammates' extra-curricular lives. But what happens in the pool is what matters.  "We really get each other going," Walano said.  "We work each other in practice and cheer each other on at meets."
   
That encouragement is important, because, as Walano acknowledged, the Cougars are a young squad this year. 

"We have a lot of great swimmers coming in, and great freshman.  They're doing a great job," he said.  "There are not a lot of upperclassmen, but we'll see what we can do.  We're looking to make a run at first in our conference." 
   
As far as personal goals, he expects to break 23 seconds on the 50 yard freestyle swim, and to consistently break 1:00 on the 100 yard fly, but the team is what matters most. 
   
Coach Donnelly expects Walano, junior Rob Lento, senior Connor Harkins, and freshman Nicholas Kalafatis to be one of the most competitive relay teams.

"They have the possibility to break schools records and be one of the go-to relay teams for the 200 yard free relay and the 200 medley relay."
   
Expectations are high this year for the swim team, but with both boys and girls working hard together at practice to push one another in team and individual times, the Cougars will be a force to watch out for.

Cranford competes aganst Linden High School at Memorial Field on Friday at 4 p.m. Check Cranford Patch for coverage.