Bishop Kenny’s boys/girls swim teams celebrate end-of-season victories

Posted on January 2, 2023 By Editor Junior Residents

(Bottom row) Assistant Coach Stephanie Jaeger, Head Coach Laurel Valley and Assistant Coach Dennis Candelora. (Top row) Evan Gardner, Barrie Snyder, Owen Kerkezi, Evan Larson, Carter Wright, Zach Jones, Graham Evans, Matthew Leitheiser, Nick Leitheiser, Christian Grden.

Bishop Kenny High School’s boys’ swim team has cause to celebrate after winning the FHSAA 2A state title at the 2022 Swimming & Diving State Championships for the second year in a row.

A press release stated, “The combined results of Barrie Snyder’s individual first place finish in the 50 Freestyle and the three first place relay performances in the 200 Free, 200 Medley, and 400 Free secured the back-to-back title for the team.”

The championships took place in Stuart, Florida on Nov. 19.

“I am so proud of this team,” said Head Swim Coach Laurel Valley in the release. “At the beginning of the year, they set the lofty goal of repeating as state Champions. Through their hard work and dedication, they made that a reality. Our returning swimmers led the way, and we had a surprising addition of a freshman and two juniors, to round out a well-balanced team that was able to work together and bring back our second consecutive State Title. I am truly blessed to be able to coach such a great group of young men.”

Additionally, the girls’ swim and dive team ended its season as District and Regional champions. The team placed third in State — “a tremendous improvement over their 2021 seventh place finish.”