Bellbrook athletes get into the swim of things
BELLBROOK, Ohio — Bellbrook High School (BHS) Swimming & Diving is off to a strong start, with the largest team in years: 50 members (47 swimmers and three divers). Many, including several of our 18 seniors, are first-time team members. This is also the first time in my 21-year coaching tenure that we have more boys than girls.
The Swimming & Diving program takes commitment and dedication. We’re in the weight room every Mon., Wed. and Fri. This marks the second year that we have replaced our long term “dryland” (swimming term for calisthenics) program with weight training.
In addition, we’re in the pool for 90 minutes every Sun., Mon. and Wed. Each session consists of swimming 3,000 to 5,000 yards (1.7 to 2.8 miles). After an initial focus at the beginning of the season on learning the four competitive swim strokes and improving technique, we began building endurance around Thanksgiving.
We installed a brand new diving board in Apr. 2023, thanks to the athletic department, athletic boosters and Bellbrook Lions Club. It has been put to good use, and the returning divers have noted a great improvement over the prior board.
A capable staff launched us off the block, with regular meets that began in Dec. Our success wouldn’t be possible without Assistant Swim Coach Karen Hulett (14 years’ tenure) and Diving Coach Nathan Meyer (eight years’ tenure). We’re also excited to welcome a new assistant coach, Kathleen Magill, a 2011 BHS graduate and four-year team member.
Upcoming highlights include the Jan. 6 Best of the Nest swim/dive meet, at which area schools with bird mascots get together (BHS, Chaminade Julienne, Eaton, Fairborn, Fairmont and Fenwick). Part of the fun involves a coach race (50-yard freestyle, two lengths), where kids get to cheer their coaches on!
The SWBL (Southwestern Buckeye League) meet is Feb. 2. BHS has always had strong showings here, with one boys’ title and three girls’ titles.
Key Returning Athletes
- Ezra Bozzuto (jr.), swimmer
- Catey Caldwell (jr.), swimmer
- Rylan Carper (sr.), swimmer
- Peter Guthrie (sr.), swimmer
- Ella Howard (sr.), diving
- Mia Nazarenus (jr.), diving
- Josh Vawter (sr.), swimmer
- Josiah Wolverton (so.), swimmer
- Lorelai Wolverton (sr.) swimmer
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