Halifax Swimmers Surge with Personal Bests and Podium Finishes

HALIFAX, PA — The Halifax swim team navigated a high-intensity stretch over the past week, competing in a major invitational on Saturday before returning to the pool for a competitive dual meet on Tuesday. Despite the quick turnaround, the Wildcats delivered a flurry of podium finishes and personal best (PB) times, proving their conditioning is peaking at the right time.

Wildcats Hold Their Own at Peiffer Invitational

On Saturday, December 13th, Halifax joined 20 teams at the Peiffer Invitational. Both the boys and girls squads secured 11th place finishes, a strong showing in a crowded field.

The girls were led by Hannah Reber, who racked up 30 points with a 2nd-place finish in the 100 Back (1:06.64 - SB) and 6th in the 100 Free (1:02.41 - SB). Mena Clark also contributed heavily with 20 points, finishing 5th in the 50 Free.

On the boys' side, Ethan Roe was the top scorer with 28 points, highlighted by a 4th-place finish in the 100 Breast and a personal best of 53.15 in the 100 Free. Max Smith added to the tally with a season-best 50 Free and a personal best in the 100 Back.

The meet also saw significant personal growth from the roster, with Tori Klunk, Amelia Cross, and Jocelyn Liddick all shaving time to set new personal records in the 50 Free.

Relay Dominance at Milton Hershey

The momentum carried into Tuesday, December 16th, as Halifax traveled to face Milton Hershey. While the Wildcats were outnumbered in total swimmers, they dominated the top of the podium in several key events.

The relay teams were the story of the night. Both the Girls and Boys 200-yard Freestyle Relays took 1st place, with the boys' team (Smith, Roe, Brown, McLenegan) clocking an impressive personal best time of 1:42.16.

Individual Standouts:

• Mena Clark (UDA): Secured a "sprint double," taking 1st place in both the 50 Free (27.92) and 100 Free (1:03.07).

• Max Smith (UDA): Mirrored that success on the boys' side, sweeping the 100 Free (55.16) and 100 Breast (1:13.46) with two new personal bests.

• Hannah Reber (Halifax): Took 1st in the 200 Individual Medley with a new PB (2:38.80) and 1st in the 100 Back.

• Ethan Roe (Halifax): Showed his range by winning the 500 Free (5:52.75) and taking 2nd in the 200 Free.

• Brayden McLenegan (UDA): Earned a 1st-place finish in the 50 Free (24.29).

A Culture of Improvement

The most encouraging sign for the Wildcats was the sheer volume of time dropped across the roster. Martina Collado-Sanchez notched two PBs in the 100 Free and 100 Breast, while Conrad Brown (100 Back) and Andrew Bowman (50 Free and 100 Breast) all reached new personal milestones. Tori Klunk and Amelia Cross also continued their "PB streak," dropping time for the second meet in a row.

With a roster that continues to get faster every time they hit the water, the Wildcats are looking like a formidable force as they head into the next stage of their season.