At the New York State Swimming and Diving Championship, the Bellmore-Merrick Lady Sharks placed 5th overall in the NYS Public High School Athletic Association.

In NYS Federation scoring, which includes private and catholic schools, the team placed 7th overall in the State.

“These placements were significant improvements from last season, where the Sharks placed 10th in the NYSPHSAA and 11th in NYS Federation scoring,” noted Coach Mike Miller. “This year, our 200-Medley Relay placed 13th overall, which is an improvement from last year, where the Sharks placed 16th.”

That relay consisted of Calista Chen, Maddy Hunter, Regan Fried, and Cara McDonald. In the 200 Freestyle Relay, which was swam by Sienna Sciortino, Sam Kalinoglu, Alexa Sherman, and Sasha Karafin, the team placed 26th and half of the relay’s times were personal bests.

The 400-freestyle relay finished seventh in the state and swimmers Sasha Karafin, Cara McDonald, Regan Fried, and Calista Chen finished the season on a high note.

“This placement was a major improvement from last season, where we placed 13th,” Miller added.

In terms of individual events, Sasha Karafin from Kennedy placed 4th in the 200 Freestyle as well as 3rd in the 500 Freestyle with an All-American Consideration time in the 500. Calista Chen from Mepham placed 13th in the 200 IM, as well as 2nd in the 100 Backstroke with an All-American Consideration time. Regan Fried from Mepham placed 15th in the 200 IM, as well as 20th in the 100 Butterfly. Cara McDonald from Calhoun placed 6th overall in the 500-yard freestyle.

“Overall, the Bellmore-Merrick Sharks showed great improvement and growth from last season and will continue to show growth next season,” added Miller.

Shown in photo: Samantha Kalinoglu - Calhoun, Sienna Sciortino - Mepham, Cara McDonald - Calhoun, Alexa Sherman - Calhoun, Regan Fried - Mepham, Sasha Karafin - Kennedy, Calista Chen - Mepham, Madeline Hunter - Mepham and Coach Mike Miller.

Date Added: 12/4/2024