Boys swimming: A closer look

By BILL KEEN
The Intelligencer

Archbishop Wood Coach: Charlie Stillwell (ninth year) Last year's 
record: 2-6 Swimmers to watch: Sr. Tom Whelan (breaststroke), St. Jim Hurley (breaststroke), 
Sr. Brendon McGhee (sprint free) The season: There is quality in individual events 
but a lack of depth could hurt the Vikings in the tough Philadelphia Catholic 
League. 
Central Bucks East Coach: Ed Walsh (24th year) Last year's 
  record: 2-11 Swimmers to watch: Sr. Justin Hunt (distance free), Sr. Brian Seibert 
  (sprint free), Soph. Josh Izewski (distance free) The season: The number of 
  athletes out for the team is up dramatically as the Patriots look to improve 
  on last season's record. 
Central Bucks South Coach: Jeff Lake (second year) Last year's 
  record: 9-5 Swimmers to watch: Jr. Ian McCormick (butterfly, 200 free), Jr. 
  Ryan Adamson (sprint free), Sr. Steve Zhou (breaststroke) The season: The roster 
  is a blend of quality experience and some promising newcomers looking to continue 
  the momentum from last season. 
Central Bucks West Coach: Lisa Fuhrmeister (sixth year) Last 
  year's record: 7-7 Swimmers to watch: Sr. Peter Basil (butterfly, free), Jr. 
  Galen Ober (breaststroke, individual medley), Jr. Ben Safran (butterfly, distance 
  free) The season: With only one senior on the roster and just two lost to graduation, 
  an experienced group of younger swimmers look to challenge for a championship. 

Germantown Academy Coach: Dick Shoulberg (37th year) Last 
  year's record: 9-1 Swimmers to watch: Jr. Reese Chandler (distance free), Jr. 
  Matt Cox (distance free), Jr. Tommy Henninger (diving) The season: For the first 
  time in decades the Patriots will have open lanes as numbers are down, but the 
  quality is still there for GA to remain one of the area's elite teams. 
Hatboro-Horsham Coach: Mary Beth Creveling (20th year) Last 
  year's record: 3-6 Swimmers to watch: Sr. Nate Ryan (sprint free), Sr. Ryan 
  Lichtner (backstroke), Sr. Bill Cook (breaststroke, individual medley) The season: 
  Depth will come from 12 sophomore who return with a year of experience to help 
  some talented upper classmen build a winning record. 
Lansdale Catholic Coach: Bob Birnbrauer (10th year) Last year's 
  record: 6-9 Swimmers to watch: Jr. Matt McGuriman (sprint free), Jr. Joe Taylor 
  (distance free, backstroke), Neil Gogno (breaststroke) The season: With no seniors 
  on this season's roster the Crusaders will rely on a nucleus of returning juniors 
  to take the lead and push towards a .500 record.
 North Penn Coach: Brian Daly (first year) Last year's record: 
  12-1 Swimmers to watch: Sr. Matt Slomiany (free, breaststroke), Sr. Tim McKeever 
  (free, backstroke), Soph. Dan Schoendorfer (diving) The season: The lineup is 
  not as deep, but talented sophomore diver Dan Schoendorfer joins a solid group 
  of returning swimmers to keep the Knights at the top of area schools. 
Pennridge Coach: Barrett Bobsein (third year) Last year's 
  record: 2-7 Swimmers to watch: Sr. Tom Chlebda (butterfly, free), Sr. Jon Liebnow 
  backstroke, breaststroke), Sr. Jason Bobsein (backstroke, free) The season: 
  There is a lot of quality senior leadership, but success will depend on younger 
  swimmers filling the open slots and providing key team points. 
Quakertown Coach: Martha Giesse (third year) Last year's record: 
  2-12 Swimmers to watch: Sr. Jeff Travor (utility), Jr. R.J. Welsh (sprint free), 
  Sr. Eric Peterson (individual medley, backstroke) The season: Everybody returns 
  for the Panthers so the experience is there for the team to improve substantially 
  on last season's record. 
Souderton Coach: Rob Facenda (11th year) Last year's record: 
  11-2 Swimmers to watch: Sr. Ryan Corcoran (sprint free), Sr. Matt Zrada (distance 
  free), Jr. Matt Gruszecki (sprint free) The season: With eight consecutive SOL 
  titles to their credit, the Indians tradition of quality teams should continue 
  thanks to veteran leadership and depth aplenty. 
Upper Moreland Coach: Jill Sobelefski (second year) Last year's 
  record: 5-7 Swimmers to watch: Sr. Alex Heller (sprint and distance free), Sr. 
  Tim Haggerty (backstroke, sprint free), Jr. Adam Koprucki (butterfly and sprint 
  free) The season: A majority of last season's roster returns to provide a nucleus 
  of experienced swimmers who look to bring the program a winning record. 
William Tennent Coach: Lisa Forlini (13th year) Last year's 
  record: 10-5 Swimmers to watch: Jr. Matt Preedy (breaststroke, individual medley), 
  Sr. John Cattell (free, backstroke), Jr. mark Ferry (free, backstroke) The season: 
  Coming off last season's 10-5 record and with only two seniors lost to graduation, 
  the Panthers could be a serious contender for SOL honors. 
November 29, 2005 7:36 AM