In six attempts from the one-meter diving board, Fifth Former A.J. Rosenberger garnered 290.15 points for his dives. A.J.’s score broke the long-standing record for highest score at the school’s pool.
“For his first dive, A.J. executed a back dive. For his next five dives, he did Back 1½ Pike, Hammer 1½ pike, Front 2½ pike, Front 1½ Full Twist, and Back 1½ 1½ Twist,” Diving Coach and Math Department Chair Mr. Justin Gaudreau said.
With the help of A.J.s performance, the Fords defeated Haverford High School 98-82.
In addition to A.J. setting the pool record in 1m Diving, many Haverford School students swam winning performances at the meet. Fourth Former Evan Boratto took home first place in the 50 and 100 freestyles, and the 200 and 400 relays. Fifth Former Max Marr won first in the 200 Medley Relay, the first Place 400 Freestyle, and the first Place 200 Free Relay.
The latest coach to join the team is Associate Director of College Counseling Mr. Brandon Tate. He joins Head Coach Sean Hansen and Diving Coach Mr. Justin Gaudreau. Mr. Tate previously head coached St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Florida, and swam at a collegiate level at Rhodes College in Tennessee. Mr. Tate notes the importance of having a pool on campus.
“[The pool] has introduced a team culture; we focus a lot more on getting things done than the logistics of getting kids into a pool,” Mr. Tate said.
Mr. Tate also applauds the school’s depth of talent. “For a lot of crossover water polo players, a lot of our guys are great at both sports.”
Notable crossover players that give great results in both water polo and swimming include Luka Sekulic, Henry Newhall, and Luke Putter.
With pool records broken, first place awards achieved, and a new coach in place, Fords swimming and diving looks ahead to perhaps a historic season.
