HS Swimming Preview: Schuylkill League full of storylines this season
Pottsville boys' swim coach Ned Hampford talks to his team during a practice session Friday at Schuylkill Haven (Photo by Leroy Boyer).
EDITOR’S NOTE: Story has been revised since original version. See “Important Dates” section.
Noah is gone.
Ned is back.
Will the streaks continue?
Who’s next to climb to the top of the medals stand at Bucknell?
When you look at the 2025-26 Schuylkill League swimming and diving season, these storylines stand out as local swimmers and divers begin their four-month journey that they hope ends with a trip to Bucknell University.
As a preview to the upcoming season, let’s take an in-depth look at those storylines and break down each team’s chances this season.
Life After Noah
Every high school sports team loses athletes to graduation each season. How they move on and replace that production ultimately determines their success.
For the Blue Mountain boys’ swim team, that challenge is greater than most.
Noah Powers’ exceptional four-year high school career ended last March, leaving behind a legacy that would put him on the Schuylkill League’s Mount Rushmore for boys’ swimming.
Now at the University of Virginia, Powers won three PIAA state championships among his 12 state medals over his four-year career, becoming the state’s first-ever Class AA swimmer to record a time under 20 seconds (19.83) en route to winning the 50-yard freestyle gold last March.
His illustrious career included eight District 11 individual golds, three District 11 outstanding swimmer awards, District 11 records in the 50 freestyle (20.34) and 100 freestyle (45.09), the state record in the 50 freestyle (19.82), and he owns or swam a leg on 10 area, Schuylkill League or Schuylkill League Championships records.
On the record board at Blue Mountain’s Glen Belmont Natatorium, Powers’ name appears 17 times — nine team and eight pool records.
“From previous years, it is tough to lose a Noah,” Blue Mountain coach Pete Sarnes said. “He certainly was an inspiration for the kids on this team. How do you find that afterwards?
“They’re working their butts off. They all know that that gap has to be filled. I’m very fortunate that the talent pool that we have after Noah is incredibly strong. We still have state medalists, we sent three relays to states.
“The team is incredibly strong … life after Noah, they pull from that inspiration. They know how hard he worked, they know what it takes to get there. They’ve worked their butts off so far in the preseason.”
Despite the loss of Powers, Blue Mountain returns a team capable of reaching similar heights at the Schuylkill League, District 11 and PIAA levels.
Among the returnees are individual state qualifiers Brody Moyer (100 butterfly, 100 backstroke) and Porter Sarnes (200 freestyle, 500 freestyle) and state relay participants Liam Magdeburg, Gabe Kamarousky, Aidan Varney and Zach Scala.
A roster of 15 swimmers/divers makes Blue Mountain the favorite to win an eighth straight Schuylkill League boys’ team title.
“It will be a fight,” Coach Sarnes said. “Pottsville boys are always strong, then you have the district teams that are strong. It will be tough, but they all know what their job is.”
Blue Mountain seniors Magdeburg and Kamarousky talk about the upcoming season in this video:
Ned is back
A late-developing swimming storyline was the return of legendary coach Ned Hampford to be the head coach of the Pottsville boys’ swim team.
Hampford, 73, is one of the patriarchs of high school swimming in Schuylkill County, serving as the Pottsville boys’ coach for 43 seasons from 1978-2021. Though not the head coach, he was still involved in the Tide program the past four seasons as Greg Schuettler and Sandy Englert guided the squad.
“We were kind of scrambling for a coach. It was getting late,” Hampford said. “The last four years I helped out.
“I’ve gone to too many viewings and funerals lately. You don’t want to live in the past and I’ve been doing that. … We need a coach, I’ve always loved it, I should coach.”
During his previous tenure, Hampford’s teams won 23 Schuylkill League championships, including the first 18 titles after the Schuylkill League was formed in 1989-90, and won 108 straight league dual meets from 1990-2007. His 2017-18 squad captured the District 11 Class AA team title.
Hampford’s swimmers have won 338 Schuylkill League gold medals, captured 33 District 11 gold medals and garnered 16 PIAA state medals. One of those state medals was gold, when Chris Grabowski placed first in the 500-yard freestyle in 1999.
Hampford notched his 400th career win Dec. 8, 2015, and unofficially has 467 dual-meet victories. Pottsville’s boys’ swimming program hasn’t had a losing season since 1981. The Pottsville Area School District renamed the D.H.H. Lengel Middle School pool in his honor – the Ned Hampford Natatorium – more than 12 years ago, Feb. 9, 2013.
He inherits a Pottsville squad of 16 swimmers/divers that includes PIAA bronze medalist diver Adam Klinger and 2024 District 11 AA 200 freestyle champ Noah Bevan.
Krista Bevan is Pottsville’s new girls’ coach, while former state qualifiers Tim Dando and Josh Zelinsky will serve as assistant coaches.
“We have four divers. Adam was third in the state, district champ,” Hampford said. “Noah Bevan was a district champ and has multiple medals. We have a lot of seniors. We have good numbers. They’re all great kids.
“Our goal is to be as successful as we can with dual meets. At districts our relays will be big and we’ll have some individuals who will be big.”
Can Blue Mountain’s streaks continue?
Blue Mountain has been the Schuylkill League’s most dominant program over the past decade, winning the last seven boys’ and last 11 girls’ team titles. The Eagle girls have won 112 straight Schuylkill League dual meets and seven straight District 11 Class AA team crowns. The Blue Mountain boys saw their six-year district reign ended last year by Southern Lehigh.
You’ve read about the Blue Mountain boys above. The Eagles’ girls, meanwhile, must replace three key pieces lost to graduation in Sage Kaplafka, Julia Crossen and Kamryn Moran. The addition of five talented freshmen will aid in that transition.
Tamaqua, which went 10-2 last season in league play, and North Schuylkill figure to be the biggest threats to snapping the Eagles’ dual-meet and title-winning streaks.
“I’m very fortunate that I picked up another freshman class that was big,” Pete Sarnes said. “They’ve all competed in ASL or club. … I think this team, it will be interesting to see what relays get put together.
“I think girls in the whole league is much more challenging. … You’ve got very strong girls throughout the league. It will be interesting to see how these girls react. They’re competing at a level they’re not used to. They’ve been working extremely hard … they know they have big shoes to fill.”
Who’s next to carry the Schuylkill League banner?
Powers wasn’t the only Schuylkill League swimmer or diver to have a monster 2024-25 campaign.
The Schuylkill League garnered 49 District 11 medals, including 14 gold. The league sent 26 swimmers to states, 19 of which were underclassmen, and came home with eight medals. Since COVID canceled states in 2020, the Schuylkill League has won 33 top-eight medals at the PIAA Swimming and Diving Championships.
Who are this year’s swimmers/divers to watch?
** In diving, Pottsville’s Adam Klinger became the first-ever Schuylkill League diver to finish in the top three at states, capping a nearly unbeaten junior campaign with a bronze medal. The Seton Hall commit enters the year as a state championship contender.
** Schuylkill League and District 11 AA champion Hailey Scheuer was 11th in the girls’ diving competition at states.
** Marian’s Michael Strucko took a pair of District 11 gold medals in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke. At states, he was seventh in the 200 freestyle and fifth in the 100 backstroke
** Marian’s Lydia Strucko won District 11 gold in the 200 IM and 100 backstroke and was sixth at states in the 100 backstroke
** Tamaqua’s Savannah Wilson was the District 11 champion and took seventh at states in the 100 breaststroke. She also combined with Katie Behun, Audrey Nattress and Ava Jones to win District 11 gold and place 26th at states in the 200 medley relay. All four return this season.
** Schuylkill Haven’s Hope Stauffer (50 free, 100 free) and Blue Mountain’s Alayna Hensel (100 breaststroke) were also individual state qualifiers.
** On the boys’ side, Schuylkill Haven’s Ethan Miller (200 IM, 100 breaststroke) won a pair of District 11 silver medals and competed in the 200 IM at states.
** As listed before, Blue Mountain’s Porter Sarnes was a District 11 champ in the 500 freestyle. He and Brody Moyer both competed in a pair of individual events at states, with Sarnes taking 10th in the 500 freestyle.
Powers might be gone, but the Schuylkill League cupboard isn’t bare.
Important Dates
In years past, it was easy to slot on your calendar when the postseason events for swimming and diving were going to be held.
Not this year.
District 11 has changed things up this year when it comes to swimming and diving. Unlike previous years, the District 11 Diving Championships will be split into two days — Tuesday, Feb. 17, for boys and Wednesday, Feb. 18, for girls. Both competitions will start at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at Parkland High School, not Emmaus.
The District 11 Swimming Championships are also a week earlier than usual. Instead of the last weekend of February or first weekend of March, this year’s District 11 Swimming Championships will be held Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21, at Parkland High School. The AA competition will start at 2:45 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday.
The change in date of the District 11 Swimming Championships gives state qualifiers three weeks to train until the PIAA Swimming Championships, which for Class AA is set for Friday-Saturday, March 13-14, at Bucknell University. Boys will go first in this year’s schedule.
Here’s a revised list of important dates. Note, this is changed from the original release of this preview story:
Saturday, Jan. 10 — Schuylkill League Diving Invitational at Blue Mountain
Friday, Jan. 30 — Schuylkill League Diving Championships at North Schuylkill
Saturday, Jan. 31 — Schuylkill League Swimming Championships at Pottsville
Tuesday, Feb. 17 — District 11 Boys’ Diving Championships at Parkland, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 18 — District 11 Girls’ Diving Championships at Parkland, 5:30 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21 — District 11 Swimming Championships at Parkland
Friday-Saturday, March 13-14 — PIAA Class AA Swimming Championships at Bucknell
2025-26 Schuylkill League Swimming Capsules
BOYS
Blue Mountain
Head coach: Pete Sarnes (5th season)
Last season: 14-1, 12-0 league. Schuylkill League champion, District 11 Class AA runner-up
Key losses: Noah Powers, Dean Faust, Jonathan Hart
Returning swimmers: Gabe Kamarousky (sr.), Liam Magdeburg (sr.), Aidan Varney (jr.), Brody Moyer (jr.), Matix Minnich (jr.), Derek March (jr.), Zach Scala (soph.), Porter Sarnes (soph.), Luciano Keck (soph.), Lukas Frantz (soph.)
Newcomers: Oliver Spofford (jr.), Kevin Frederick (soph.), Max Hart (fr.), Seth Nester (fr.), Evan Varney (fr.).
Outlook: Eagles graduated one of the Schuylkill League’s all-time best in three-time state champion Powers but still return a strong squad capable of winning an eighth straight Schuylkill League crown and contending for District 11 team honors. Sarnes is the defending District 11 champion in the 500, while Moyer, Varney, Kamarousky, Magdeburg and Scala also competed at states. League favorite.
Mahanoy Area
Head coach: Kiera Van Horn (3rd season)
Last season: 0-12, 0-12 league
Key losses: None
Returning swimmers: Blake Brown (soph.), Clifton Williams (soph.)
Newcomers: None
Outlook: With just two boys’ swimmers, Golden Bears’ focus will be on individual development and improvement as season progresses.
Marian
Head coach: Andrea Feathers (5th season)
Last season: 3-8-1, 3-8-1 league
Key losses: None
Returning swimmers: Michael Strucko (sr.), James Gomez (sr.), Reece Steibler (sr.), Andrew Metters (jr.)
Newcomers: Ryan Metters (fr.)
Outlook: Returning state medalist Strucko is one of the league’s top swimmers and will be a force in the postseason. With only five boys, dual-meet success will be limited, but the opportunity to field relays for the postseason exists.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: Marcie Ackell (4th season)
Last season: 9-4, 8-4 league
Key losses: Gavin Mentzer, Joe Campbell, Chase Meyers, Fabrizio D. Mangianello, Luke Combs
Returning swimmers: David Luna (sr.), Fabrizio J. Mangianello (jr.), Tyler Hayes (soph.), Tyler Heidelbaugh (soph.)
Newcomers: Angel Torres (sr.), Ryan McGurl (jr.), Ashton Earley (fr.), Brendan Fetterolf (fr.), Owen Mentzer (fr.), Nicholas Weremedic (fr.)
Outlook: Spartans must replace state qualifier Gavin Mentzer and lineup mainstays Campbell and Meyers, which will be tough. A group of six newcomers, headlined by Mentzer’s younger brother Owen, give North Schuylkill some dual meet depth. Will be competitive in dual meets, but not at level of Blue Mountain or Pottsville.
Pottsville
Head coach: Ned Hampford (44th season)
Last season: 13-2, 10-2 league
Key losses: Marty Davis, Caden Wright
Returning swimmers: Adam Klinger (sr.), Noah Bevan (sr.), Killian Bressler (sr.), Michael Prestileo (sr.), Logan Strauss (sr.), Pete Scharadin (sr.), Colin Kline (jr.), Spenser Prestileo (soph.), John Mohl (soph.), Braydon Tokonitz (soph.), Jamison Walsh (soph.)
Newcomers: Ashton Maroukis (fr.), Jerome Urban (fr.), Jay Dang (sr.), Ian Lin (sr.), Greyson Borowski (soph.)
Outlook: Legendary coach Ned Hampford returns as the boys’ head coach after a four-year hiatus to guide a Crimson Tide squad that is talented and has some depth. Klinger was a PIAA bronze medalist in diving while Bevan was a 2024 District 11 champ. Key is putting the right people in the right events to be successful. Tide have the pieces to challenge Blue Mountain for the Schuylkill League title and a top-two finish at districts. League title contender.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Sharon Wenrich (27th season)
Last season: 3-11-1, 3-8-1 league
Key losses: Luke Smith, Parker Reifsnyder, Tanner Houck
Returning swimmers: Bruce Stine (sr.), Ethan Miller (soph.)
Newcomers: Hudson Seltzer (soph.), Dean Ketner (fr.), Matthew Marmas (fr.), Colton McCluskey (fr.), Elijah Scherer (fr.), William Sidleck (fr.), Elliot Wehr (fr.), Evan Wisner (fr.)
Outlook: Hurricanes have a very young squad headlined by sophomore Miller, who won two silvers at districts and qualified for states as a freshman. How quickly those young swimmers fill roles and develop as the season progresses will determine dual meet success.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Jen Paisley (9th season)
Last season: 4-10-2, 4-6-2 league
Key losses: Nicholas Barron, Jacob Hehn, Vinny Valentine
Returning swimmers: William Behun (sr.), Thomas Graham (sr.), Benjamin Hunsicker (jr.), Aidan Elston (soph.), Brandon Temarantz (soph.), Luis Sanchez (soph.), Parker Steencken (soph.), William Coombe (soph.)
Newcomers: Andrew Keer (fr.), Memphis Kline (fr.)
Outlook: Blue Raiders graduated Valentine, a state qualifier in diving, and key relay swimmers Hehn and Barron. A group of underclassmen will need to fill those voids. Tamaqua should be competitive in dual meets. Improving upon last year’s overall win total is an attainable goal.
GIRLS
Blue Mountain
Head coach: Pete Sarnes (5th season)
Last season: 14-1, 12-0 league. Schuylkill League champion, District 11 Class AA champion
Key losses: Sage Kaplafka, Julia Crossen, Kamryn Moran, Arpita Mishra, Kaitlyn Zulli, Emma Lutz
Returning swimmers: Shyanna White (sr.), Hailey Scheuer (jr.), Isabella Lafko (jr.), Grace Zulli (soph.), Molly Stone (soph.), Sarah Satterfield (soph.), Ana Oettl (soph.), Lola Machamer (soph.), Alayna Hensel (soph.), Emma Beiswinger (soph.), Ella Crossen (soph.)
Newcomers: Martine Bellan-Hushery (sr.), Brooke Dillman (jr.), Emma Daynorowicz (fr.), Savannah Grabowski (fr.), Anna Kaplafka (fr.), Mia Parry (fr.), Caitlyn Seidel (fr.)
Outlook: Eagles enter the season with a 112-meet league winning streak after winning their 11th straight Schuylkill League crown last season. The loss of Sage Kaplafka and Julia Crossen to graduation will be tough. Like in previous years, Eagles will need underclassmen to step up and replace their leadership. Scheuer is a two-time league and district diving champion and is a state medal contender. In the water, Eagles will need immediate contributions from a group of five talented freshmen. League favorite until someone knocks them off.
Mahanoy Area
Head coach: Kiera Van Horn (3rd season)
Last season: 1-11, 1-11 league
Key losses: Alexis Chilinskas
Returning swimmers: Lily Brown (soph.), Urijah Fazio (soph.), Amy Swantek (jr.), Rachael Swantek (jr.)
Newcomers: Brooke Hornug (soph.), McKenzie Scully (fr.), Kendall Kardisco (fr.), Marla Grutza (fr.), Callie Whitecavage (fr.)
Outlook: Golden Bears have a star in Lily Brown, who was second in the 500 freestyle and 100 backstroke at districts. How successful Mahanoy Area is in dual meets depends on a group of five newcomers and how they fill out events. Will be much improved from last year’s overall results.
Marian
Head coach: Andrea Feathers (5th season)
Last season: 1-11, 1-11 league
Key losses: Delaney Erickson, Zoe Katona
Returning swimmers: Lydia Strucko (jr.), Kasey Evert (soph.)
Newcomers: Kiomie Rosado (soph.), Ella Bones (fr.), Carly Green (fr.), Meah Solnoki (fr.)
Outlook: Similar to the boys’ team. Strucko is a returning state medalist and is expected to contend for District 11 and PIAA honors. With six girls, dual-meet success will be tough. Goal is to maintain numbers and get faster as the season develops.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: Marcie Ackell (4th season)
Last season: 7-6, 6-6 league
Key losses: Joyce Burian, MacKenzie Lavas, Genevieve Salefski
Returning swimmers: Kamryn Wolfe (sr.), Alyssa McElhenney (sr.), Elizabeth Nahodil (sr.), Katelyn Nahodil (sr.), Annabelle Bennett (jr.), Gracie Lucht (jr.), Grace Colahan (jr.), Parker Drum (soph.), Tatiana Salefski (soph.)
Newcomers: Alyssa Cook (sr.), Vivian Miller (sr.), Ahtziri Sanchez (sr.), Summer Cupsta-Klinger (jr.), Katelyn Menuchak (jr.), Briza Sanchez (jr.), Anna Cook (soph.), Keira Blozousky (fr.), Karolyne Towey (fr.), Denise Almonte (fr.)
Outlook: Spartans enter the season with the largest roster in the league (19) that is a balance of talent and youth. Wolfe, Elizabeth Nahodil, Katelyn Nahodil and Salefski provide the experience while a group of 10 newcomers provides depth. Will be interesting to see if that translates into dual meet wins. Not sure if Spartans have the talent to win the league title, but they’ll be in the hunt. League title darkhorse.
Pottsville
Head coach: Krista Bevan (1st season)
Last season: 9-6, 7-5 league
Key losses: Elizabeth Martinko, Adalia LaSelva, Jillian Horvath, Caitlyn Peleschak, Maya Johnson, Elizabeth Ortiz
Returning swimmers: Peyton Eckert (sr.), Gianna LaSelva (jr.), Lila Evans (jr.), Ava Androschick (soph.), Ceira Kline (soph.), Carlee Smulligan (soph.), Kahmaya Van Orden (soph.), Isabella Walchak (soph.), Rayneali Johnson (soph.), Lily Walsh (soph.)
Newcomers: Kenedee Seigfried (soph.), Catherine Mohl (fr.), Elizabeth Jones (fr.)
Outlook: New coach Bevan takes over a squad of 13 girls that has key spots to fill after graduation losses. Gianna LaSelva provides veteran experience but the rest of the squad is relatively inexperienced. How quickly they develop and find roles will determine dual meet success.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Sharon Wenrich (27th season)
Last season: 8-7, 5-7 league
Key losses: Nicole Domermuth, Teagan Wehr, Taylor Fitzpatrick
Returning swimmers: Cali Stauffer (sr.), Hope Stauffer (soph.), Allie Bright (jr.), Allison Scherer (jr.), Rylee Tarleton (jr.), Kylee Howell (jr.), Kalynne Miller (soph.), Chelsey Zagar (soph.)
Newcomers: Jaimee Wagner (soph.), Hajar Boulhanna (fr.), Mikayla Tippett (fr.), Riley Torres (fr.)
Outlook: Hurricanes have two aces in Cali and Hope Stauffer and additional pieces to be very competitive in relay events. Hope Stauffer qualified for states in three events last season. Will need younger, inexperienced swimmers to step up and fill lanes for Haven to be successful in dual meets. Should improve upon last year’s overall record.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Jennifer Paisley (9th season)
Last season: 13-3, 10-2 league
Key losses: Isabella Jones, Andrea Betz, Addison Krall
Returning swimmers: Savannah Wilson (sr.), Katie Behun (soph.), Audrey Nattress (sr.), Ava Jones (sr.), Ceanna Gormley (sr.), Lyla Clemson (sr.), Janna Brown (jr.), Gia Clemson (soph.)
Newcomers: Emily Genery (fr.), Reiley Faust (fr.), Shaylee Gormley (fr.)
Outlook: Blue Raiders return their state-qualifying medley relay of Behun, Wilson, Nattress and Jones intact, while Wilson was a seventh-place state medalist in the breaststroke. Those four swimmers give Tamaqua a chance to dominate in dual meets, but do the Blue Raiders have the overall depth? On paper, Raiders are biggest threat to Blue Mountain’s league title reign. League title contender.
