Pennridge High School Men’s Swim & Dive: A Season of Growth, Records, and Rising Stars
2025 Winter Season Recap
The 2025 winter season for Pennridge High School’s Men’s Swim and Dive team was nothing short of remarkable—a blend of record-breaking performances, strong leadership, and exciting potential for the future. Coach Jenna Anselmo, who led the program this year, reflects on a season marked by team milestones, individual growth, and a spirit of unwavering determination.
Key Contributors Propel Team Success
Coach Anselmo highlights a deep and talented roster this season, but several athletes stood out as key contributors who helped the Rams make a strong impression across the board.
Senior captain Michael Timm anchored the team with his impressive qualifying times in the 50 and 100 freestyle, 100 butterfly, and 200 individual medley. Ultimately, Michael competed at Districts in the 50 and 100 freestyle events and was a vital part of both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. Notably, the 400 free relay team, including Michael, set a new school record—a highlight that energized the entire program.
Junior captain Ethan Whitehurst also had a breakout year. Making District consideration times in the 200 and 100 freestyle as well as the 100 backstroke, Ethan secured a spot among the top 40 swimmers in the 200 freestyle. His role as the lead-off swimmer for both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays demonstrated his importance in the team’s collective effort.
Sophomore standout Matthias Schwartz earned recognition as the team’s most improved swimmer, making both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays for Districts and meeting consideration times in the 200 freestyle. Matthias’s rapid progress signals a bright future ahead.
Junior Alin Grate made significant strides in the breaststroke events, hitting the one-minute mark in the 100 breaststroke and qualifying for Districts, a personal milestone for the rising athlete.
Senior captain Noah van Beuden closed his high school swimming career with a spectacular final season, dropping five seconds in both the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke at League Championships. Although an alternate at Districts, his strong performances inspired younger teammates.
Injury presented a challenge for junior Timothy Hong, but his grit kept him central to the team’s success in the 100 breaststroke, 200 IM, and relays. Timothy’s resilience and dedication embodied the team’s spirit.
Additionally, divers Brycen Hulse (sophomore) and Henry Hufnagle (freshman) made history by becoming the first male divers in nearly a decade to qualify for Districts. Their consistent podium finishes in dual meets contributed valuable points in both diving and swimming, bolstering the team’s overall competitiveness.
A Season Marked by Success and Promise
Reflecting on the season’s trajectory, Coach Anselmo proudly declares it a success, highlighting the infusion of a large freshman class that promises growth for years to come.
“The season went very well,” she says. “We had a lot of really close meets and a strong chance to win next season.” One of the season’s biggest achievements was all three boys’ relay teams making District consideration cuts—a feat the program hadn’t seen in over five years. The team successfully qualified for Districts in both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays, reinforcing the strength and depth of the squad.
Defining Moments: Record-Breaking Relays and Team Chemistry
Among the season’s memorable highlights was the relay team of Whitehurst, Schwartz, Hong, and Timm coming together at the Last Chance meet to break the school’s team record. This moment was electrifying and set an exciting tone for the remainder of the season.
“This relay coming together was really special,” said Coach Anselmo. “It showed what this team is capable of when they push each other.”
Emerging Leaders and Rising Freshmen
As seniors prepare to graduate, several swimmers stepped up to fill emerging leadership roles. Besides the captains already mentioned, freshmen Will Aquila and Luke Hulse impressed with their determination and growth, hinting at bright futures in the program.
Senior captain Collin Jones also deserves special recognition. Giving everything he had, Collin finished the season with lifetime best times in the 50 and 100 freestyle, underscoring his dedication and competitive spirit.
Overcoming Adversity with Resilience
The season was not without its challenges. Injuries and sickness sidelined some of the team’s key swimmers during critical meets, but the team’s response was exemplary.
“They handled it very well,” said Anselmo. “Seeing how close so many meets were despite missing one or two heavy hitters showed how far this team has come.”
Coach Anselmo praised the team’s sportsmanship, noting their respect for opponents and coaches alike, reflecting the program’s positive culture.
Senior Class Impact: Energy, Leadership, and Hard Work
The graduating seniors left a lasting impact on Pennridge swimming. According to the coach, they brought “a lot of energy and hard work,” leading by example both in and out of the pool.
“They made sure this program is better than it was when they joined it four years ago,” Anselmo remarked. Their leadership helped raise the bar for future Rams and fostered an environment where younger swimmers can thrive.
Looking Ahead: Hungry for More
With many key contributors returning, the future of Pennridge Men’s Swim and Dive is bright. The team’s hunger for improvement and competitive success is palpable.
“Next season, I anticipate the team will build on their skills from this year,” said Anselmo. “Many swimmers want to be my go-tos and fill those relay spots. They look at District qualifying times and are already plotting how to get there.”
This ambition sets a promising stage for another competitive campaign in 2026.
Offseason Focus: Building Strength and Team Chemistry
Offseason training is critical, and Coach Anselmo intends to continue expanding the dry land lifting program that proved beneficial this past year.
“We saw huge improvement in overall health because of our dry land program,” she explained. “We want to keep building muscle, stretching, and preparing for next season.”
Beyond physical training, Anselmo values the culture of healthy competition balanced with support and encouragement.
“It’s important to me that this team’s bond continues to flourish,” she said. “They push each other to be better while always having each other’s backs.”
Staying Connected: Tracking Progress on SwimCloud
For fans and family eager to follow the team’s progress, all of Pennridge’s meets this season are available on SwimCloud—a tool Coach Anselmo calls a “game changer” for both coaching and swimmer motivation.
“It’s incredible for the swimmers to see their own progress and set goals based on real data,” she said. This transparency and access to performance metrics help athletes track improvements and stay motivated.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 winter season at Pennridge High School has been one of accomplishment, growth, and laying the groundwork for future success. Led by dedicated captains and driven by a mix of seasoned athletes and eager newcomers, the Rams have rekindled a competitive spirit and record-setting pace.
With Coach Anselmo’s strategic vision, the program is poised not only to continue its upward trajectory but also to develop a culture of excellence that will benefit Pennridge swimming and diving for years to come.
For detailed stats and meet results, visit SwimCloud. Follow Pennridge Athletics for the latest updates and news on upcoming meets and programs.
 and Henry Hufnagle (freshman) made history by becoming the first male divers in nearly a decade to qualify for Districts. Their consistent podium finishes in dual meets contributed valuable points in both diving and swimming, bolstering the team’s overall competitiveness.
A Season Marked by Success and Promise
Reflecting on the season’s trajectory, Coach Anselmo proudly declares it a success, highlighting the infusion of a large freshman class that promises growth for years to come.
“The season went very well,” she says. “We had a lot of really close meets and a strong chance to win next season.” One of the season’s biggest achievements was all three boys’ relay teams making District consideration cuts—a feat the program hadn’t seen in over five years. The team successfully qualified for Districts in both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays, reinforcing the strength and depth of the squad.
Defining Moments: Record-Breaking Relays and Team Chemistry
Among the season’s memorable highlights was the relay team of Whitehurst, Schwartz, Hong, and Timm coming together at the Last Chance meet to break the school’s team record. This moment was electrifying and set an exciting tone for the remainder of the season.
“This relay coming together was really special,” said Coach Anselmo. “It showed what this team is capable of when they push each other.”
Emerging Leaders and Rising Freshmen
As seniors prepare to graduate, several swimmers stepped up to fill emerging leadership roles. Besides the captains already mentioned, freshmen Will Aquila and Luke Hulse impressed with their determination and growth, hinting at bright futures in the program.
Senior captain Collin Jones also deserves special recognition. Giving everything he had, Collin finished the season with lifetime best times in the 50 and 100 freestyle, underscoring his dedication and competitive spirit.
Overcoming Adversity with Resilience
The season was not without its challenges. Injuries and sickness sidelined some of the team’s key swimmers during critical meets, but the team’s response was exemplary.
“They handled it very well,” said Anselmo. “Seeing how close so many meets were despite missing one or two heavy hitters showed how far this team has come.”
Coach Anselmo praised the team’s sportsmanship, noting their respect for opponents and coaches alike, reflecting the program’s positive culture.
Senior Class Impact: Energy, Leadership, and Hard Work
The graduating seniors left a lasting impact on Pennridge swimming. According to the coach, they brought “a lot of energy and hard work,” leading by example both in and out of the pool.
“They made sure this program is better than it was when they joined it four years ago,” Anselmo remarked. Their leadership helped raise the bar for future Rams and fostered an environment where younger swimmers can thrive.
Looking Ahead: Hungry for More
With many key contributors returning, the future of Pennridge Men’s Swim and Dive is bright. The team’s hunger for improvement and competitive success is palpable.
“Next season, I anticipate the team will build on their skills from this year,” said Anselmo. “Many swimmers want to be my go-tos and fill those relay spots. They look at District qualifying times and are already plotting how to get there.”
This ambition sets a promising stage for another competitive campaign in 2026.
Offseason Focus: Building Strength and Team Chemistry
Offseason training is critical, and Coach Anselmo intends to continue expanding the dry land lifting program that proved beneficial this past year.
“We saw huge improvement in overall health because of our dry land program,” she explained. “We want to keep building muscle, stretching, and preparing for next season.”
Beyond physical training, Anselmo values the culture of healthy competition balanced with support and encouragement.
“It’s important to me that this team’s bond continues to flourish,” she said. “They push each other to be better while always having each other’s backs.”
Staying Connected: Tracking Progress on SwimCloud
For fans and family eager to follow the team’s progress, all of Pennridge’s meets this season are available on SwimCloud—a tool Coach Anselmo calls a “game changer” for both coaching and swimmer motivation.
“It’s incredible for the swimmers to see their own progress and set goals based on real data,” she said. This transparency and access to performance metrics help athletes track improvements and stay motivated.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 winter season at Pennridge High School has been one of accomplishment, growth, and laying the groundwork for future success. Led by dedicated captains and driven by a mix of seasoned athletes and eager newcomers, the Rams have rekindled a competitive spirit and record-setting pace.
With Coach Anselmo’s strategic vision, the program is poised not only to continue its upward trajectory but also to develop a culture of excellence that will benefit Pennridge swimming and diving for years to come.
For detailed stats and meet results, visit SwimCloud. Follow Pennridge Athletics for the latest updates and news on upcoming meets and programs.){kind=tracking}
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