AW's depth key factor to success

By LEE CIENIAWA Bucks County Courier Times

An influx of freshman talent combined with a strong returning sophomore class have given Archbishop Wood a much deeper roster than it had last season.

"The difference this year is the team's a lot deeper," Vikings coach Charlie Stillwell said.

"We have a lot of good freshmen, and the freshmen from last year are really stepping it up. We've got a lot of strong girls."

The Vikings are only 1-1 in dual meets this season, with a win against Gwynedd Mercy and a loss to the team directly ahead of them in the standings, Archbishop Ryan. But the youngsters on the team gave the Vikings a boost in the Winter Swim Classic at Stroudsburg High School on Jan.7, where Wood finished first in the team competition over eight other schools. Last year, the Vikings finished third in the same tournament.

Sophomores Christina Rios and Amy Finn and freshman Alyse Davis all had strong efforts at Stroudsburg, and junior Jaclyn Smith won the 200 freestyle. Megen Donovan had the best individual showing for the Vikings, not only winning the 500 freestyle and 100 breaststroke, but setting meet records in the process.

"I was surprised that they swam that well [at Stroudsburg]," Stillwell said. "The reason we won is that we were pretty deep. We can give everybody a run for their money. I can't complain with anything they've given me this year."

Lee Cieniawa can be reached at 215-949-4215 or lcieniawa@phillyBurbs.com.

January 17, 2006 6:25 AM