For Holton-Arms swim coach Chris Lynch, explaining the success of his team is simple: It’s about the facilities.
With a six-lane, 25-yard swimming pool, the Panthers have a significant edge on most Washington area programs. It’s had much to do with the Panthers’ record four straight titles in the Independent School League, but isn’t the only reason. After all, ISL rivals Madeira and National Cathedral also have pools.
But Friday at Madeira, the ISL Championships had a familiar refrain as Holton-Arms (310) easily out-pointed runner-up Madeira (180) and third-place NCS (173). The margin was the most decisive in the Panthers’ four-year run.
“We have a lot of depth,” said Lynch. “Other teams have superstars. But we just have a lot of swimmers. Having a pool at our school makes a big difference. We have a lot of athletes who participate because they can walk to the pool after school.”
This weekend at George Mason University, Holton (11-0) will test its depth against national powerhouse Good Counsel in the Washington Metropolitan Prep School Swimming and Diving League championships. During its ISL championship run, Holton has never placed better than third in the WMPSSDL meet.
This year might be different, however. According to Lynch, this is the best team he’s had in his 11 seasons.
Leading the Panthers are senior Emily Kelly and junior Christina Bailey. Friday at Madeira, both won one event and finished second in another. Both swam two relay legs, contributing to the Panthers’ sweep of three events.
All that prevented Bailey and Kelly from a perfect day were the Jacoby sisters of Flint Hill. Senior Lauren Jacoby edged Bailey in the 100 freestyle. Sophomore Jenna Jacoby bested Kelly by .03 seconds in the 100 backstroke.
But the Panthers’ team success is better traced to swimmers such as Reagan Thompson. The junior isn’t a year-round participant, but bested her time in the 200 IM by 5.5 seconds to earn an unexpected four points for the Panthers.
“That came out of the blue,” said Lynch. “That’s what having a pool means. When you can walk to practice each day after school, your swimmers who aren’t year-round can get better so much faster.”
Panthers on the prowl
» Holton seniors Emily Kelly (Colgate), Alexis Smith (Vermont), and Molly Moulton (Tufts) will swim in college.
» Also contributing to Holton’s success in the ISL’s were juniors Chelsea Bryan and Annie O’Shea; sophomores Jackie Tully and Jing Jing Li; and freshman Carmen Ferraro.
