S. ABINGTON TWP. — The Abington Heights swim teams have a new head coach in Courtenay Degnon, but the boys and girls squads both return many athletes with varsity experience.

The boys team features six seniors in John Frantz (freestyle, individual medley), John Graham (freestyle, backstroke), Carter Smith (diver), Josh Przekop (butterfly, freestyle) and Sloan Seid (freestyle, breaststroke).

Frantz placed fourth in the 500 freestyle and sixth in the 200 individual medley at districts last season and is striving to improve on those positions.

“My goal is to medal at districts in the 500 freestyle and the 200 individual medley,” he said.

Frantz was chosen as a captain and is committed to the role.

“I plan to work hard every day,” he said. “As a captain, I want to make sure the team is always on point and motivated. We have a ton of returning swimmers and I think we have a good chance at winning districts.”

Juniors Brandon Klotz (freestyle), Jarred Ocwieja (breaststroke, freestyle), William Tung (freestyle, butterfly), Nate Armstrong (freestyle), Connor Ocwieja (freestyle, breaststroke) and Charlie Puksta along with sophomores Adam Vale (freestyle), Matt Nzasi and Conal Richards, and freshmen Hudson Brown, Kevin Guditus and Steven Dong make up the boys team.

Przekop, another captain, has been trying to assist other swimmers during practice.

“I want to make sure that everyone is focusing on technique,” he said. “Coach (Degnon) does a great job, but she can’t see under the water. I can give people quick pointers as they need them.”

Degnon believes the camaraderie among members of the boys teams will be the group an advantage this season.

“They grew up together in the pool and they’re like brothers,” she said. “It seems like they’re building each other up.”

The girls team is led by seniors Sarah Bath (backstroke, freestyle), Meghan Marion (diver, freestyle), Camille Marquardt (diver), Elizabeth Rembecki (freestyle) and Kyra Sladicki (breaststroke, freestyle).

Junior Lucy Earl (butterfly, freestyle) along with sophomores Isabelle Bernard (freestyle), Abby Brock (freestyle, breaststroke, diver), Reilly Brown and Kayla Przekop and freshmen Helena Mokhtari and Liz Keisling are expected to contribute on the girls team.

Despite having low numbers, Bath is confident the team will be competitive.

“We have a little bit of a smaller team than we did last year, but we’re still looking to stay motivated and have a lot of success again,” she said. “We have a fair amount of new swimmers and a fair amount of freshmen, but I think they’re working really hard and doing a lot to learn the strokes. I think they’re going to be a big part of our team this year.”

While Bath is hoping to medal in the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke at districts, she also is focused on creating memories with her teammates.

“I want to enjoy my last year, but I also want to swim some really good times,” she said.

Degnon, who served as an assistant last year, has been impressed with the passion of the swimmers.

“Everyone was ready to hit the water and get started,” she said.

She has also be pleased with the leadership shown by Bath and Rembecki, captains of the girls team.

“They’re good kids and they’ve stepped up and helped the newer swimmers during the preseason,” Degnon said. “I think it’s going to be a good season.”

The coaching staff expects Delaware Valley, Scranton Prep and Wallenpaupack to provide the toughest competition in the Lackawanna League.

Among the captains of the Abington Heights swimming teams are, from left, Sarah Bath, Josh Przekop and John Frantz. Absent at the time of photo were Elizabeth Rembecki, Carter Smith and Camille Marquardt.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/web1_ABJ-AH-Swim-1.jpg.optimal.jpgAmong the captains of the Abington Heights swimming teams are, from left, Sarah Bath, Josh Przekop and John Frantz. Absent at the time of photo were Elizabeth Rembecki, Carter Smith and Camille Marquardt. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.