The Northampton High School varsity swim and dive team is starting their 2024-2025 season with a winning streak, claiming victory in their first four dual meets. With contests against Allentown Central Catholic and Pocono Mountain West, the women’s team most recently posted scores of 121-58 and 142-35, respectively. The men’s team found similar success in these meets, winning 115-66 and 149-32 in their matchups.

Among the team’s highlights for this season seemed to be a well-rounded squad with prowess in both distance and sprint events, as well as strength in the men’s and women’s diving squad. In a home meet against Allentown Central Catholic on Tuesday, Dec. 12, the girls’ relay teams claimed victory in the 200 medley relay (with the team of Amelia Sommons, Elizabeth Sponsler, Olivia Kuhns, and Sophia Pina) and the 400 freestyle relay as Kuhns and Sommons teaming up with Mya Cruz and Gabriella Oswald. The boys’ team was first in the 200 medley relay with the team of Joseph Kennedy, Aiden Kuntz, Ethan Brobst, and Levi Gieske.

In the individual events, Toni Bubier claimed a dual victory in the 500 freestyle and 200 freestyle events. Sponsler was first to the wall in the 100 breaststroke, Kuhns was first in the 100 backstroke, Ava Keenan enjoyed a victory in the 100 freestyle event, and Sommons was first in the 200 individual medley.

For the boys, Josiah Hippert celebrated a pair of wins in the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke events. Brobst claimed first place in the 200 individual medley, and Nate Scheirer was first to the wall in the 500 freestyle event.

Northampton diver Isabella Kish took first place for the girls’ 6-dive event with a score of 192.55. Northampton’s Alex Szeplaki was first in the boys’ 6-dive event, scoring 196.70.

The team also took time at this meet to honor the mentors of their senior swimmers. The 16 Northampton seniors from the swimming and diving team each spoke to the crowd to summarize their mentor’s impact on their lives as they honored teachers, coaches, and community members who have been critical influencers for each senior.

The team will take a break from competition during the holiday weeks as Northampton head coach Cullen Mentzell focuses on strengthening some of the team’s mechanics and firming up the roster as the team settles into their regular events. For Northampton’s next competition, the team will travel to Easton High School on Friday, Jan. 3, for a 10 a.m. matchup.