BE swim teams hope to make a splash at state championships this weekend
The Bishop England High School swimming teams have experienced the ultimate thrill of victory the past few years.
In 2016, the boys’ swimming team captured its first state championship in the school’s proud and storied history.
In 2017, the girls’ swimming team captured its first state championship.
This year will pretty much be a learning experience for both teams, which are young and lacking depth, according to coach Rose Van Metre.
But that doesn’t mean the Bishops won’t be among the state’s best when the High School League holds its state championships Saturday and Monday at the University of South Carolina’s Natatorium, the Blatt, in Columbia.
Look for both teams to be in the top five, and with a little luck, top three just might not be out of the question.
Van Metre said the girls’ team has some interesting dynamics. They have senior leadership, but the team will rely on some of the younger swimmers to make a splash as the curtain falls on the 2019 season.
“We have a little depth, the veteran coach said. “We have two and three girls entered in most events, but there’s not as much depth as in past years. We’re going to struggle at times. But I hope both can finish in the top 5. In the girls’ meet, Christ Church, St. Joseph’s and Oceanside (Collegiate), Academic Magnet all have pretty strong teams.”
Two of the Bishops’ most promising swimmers are underclassmen: sophomore Jill Smiley and freshman Lindsay Burbage.
Senior Bella Kissell, who was a member of the 2017 state championship team, will compete in the 200- and 500-yard freestyles.
Van Metre says the boys’ team also is young and needs a little more experience. She said this team is one of the most fun teams she has coached.
“They are a tight-knit group and they have fun,” Van Metre said.
Swimmers to keep an eye on Saturday include junior Ethan Griffith, Griffin Murphy, Matthew Piccard and Brady Newton.
Van Metre expects the Bishop boys to compete with the same cast of characters as the girls’ team: Christ Church, St. Joseph, Academic Magnet and Oceanside Collegiate.
COACHES CLASSIC - CROSS COUNTRY
The Bob Jenkins Coaches Classic, a precursor to the High School League’s state cross country championships, will be held Saturday in Camden, and look for both Philip Simmons and Bishop England to have big days.
One of the top runners to keep an eye on is Iron Horse athlete Noah Ward, who claimed gold in the recent Lowcountry Invitational. Junior Henry Wood also has fared well this fall.
Bishop England’s Mark Richter and Logan Desciak both have had big seasons to date.
In the girls’ meet, Philip Simmons eight-graders Hailey Meyers and Josie May should be top-10 finishers, while classmate Emmy Wood also has great potential.
BEHS WEEKLY SPORTS RECAP
Provided by BE student Nicole K. Boyd
Girls’ Volleyball
The girls’ volleyball team played Porter Gaud this past Tuesday and lost their games. But they beat Hanahan by 3 games on Thursday. Their upcoming games will be on Tuesday against Waccamaw, Thursday against Academic Magnet at 6:30 at Magnet, and Friday – Saturday at the Wando Invitational.
Girls’ Varsity Tennis
The girls’ varsity tennis team beat Georgetown last Tuesday 6-0 and also beat Manning on Thursday 7-0. The girl’s play Magnet this Thursday at BE and Georgetown this Saturday at Georgetown.
Football
The JV football team beat Hanahan 21-20 this past Thursday. They will be playing Waccamaw at BE’s field this Thursday. The varsity football team took on Hanahan last Friday and beat them 35-3. Their next game will be an away game against Waccamaw on Friday at 7:30.