Swim Team makes a Splash this Winter

The Oak Hill Academy Swim team has been improving each year and this season they really excelled. Our swim team is a Co-ed team open to grades 5-8. Completing an undefeated season for the first time in over 20 years, this group of swimmers not only won all of their meets, but set some records along the way.

Led by Mr. Bellezza, aka “Coach B” and Mrs. Abraham for the third and second year respectively, this group defeated both Neptune (100-69) and Ranney (98-69) for the second consecutive year and added a new opponent by out swimming another worthy opponent, Wardlaw-Hartridge, 117-53, and thus establishing itself as the top middle school swim program in Monmouth County. In addition to these co-ed dual meets, the boys combined to finish 3 ^rd a team at the Ranney Invitational on February 8 competing against schools from all across New Jersey.

The great thing about swimming is that not only can a team have success from the collaboration of the individuals, but individuals can also see success whether it be establishing a new “PR” (Personal Record) or setting school records, as was accomplished four times this season!

7 ^th grader, Braden Harris, joined his aunt, Kristen (OHA ’99) on the Record Board by breaking the 50 Freestyle Record with a time of 24.62 seconds. Joining him on the Record Board was 8 ^th grader, Tierney Keefe, who may go down as one of Oak Hill Academy’s top swimmers of all time. Tierney set 3 New Records this year after breaking Two last year (50 Butterfly and 100 Individual Medley). Tierney broke the 100 Freestyle (58.05sec); 200 Freestyle (2:09.81min) and the 50 Breaststroke (33.39sec) to bring her total to 5 Records!!

Coach B was enthusiastic about this season, “It has been great working with the OHA Swim Team over the past 3 seasons. This year OHA had what could easily be the best swim season in a very long time. School records were broken (again), and all of our regular season meets were won! I am really proud of this team and their efforts, and look forward to seeing what next season brings.”

Congratulations to all of our swimmers on a very successful season!