Schools
UCT Swimming Preview: Governor Livingston Highlanders
A look at the GL swim team as they prepare to compete in the Union County Tournament.
Governor Livingston Highlanders (Girls 7-3) (Boys 6-3)
Girls: Abby Pires will be trying to defend her county record and 2x defending champion status in the 100 Breastroke. Freshman Autumn Ledgin, Jen Leonard and junior Caroline Henderson will join Pires in the 200-medley relay. The group will try to achieve the Meet of Champions cut time and lower their own school record set earlier this season against Summit. They are looking to be among the top three relays at counties. Pires will also be competing in the 200 IM and 400 Free Relay.
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Senior captains Courtney Paone (200 & 500 Free) and Cassie Kinney (50 Free, 200 Free relay) are looking to score in the top 16 in their respective events. Three swimmers could be in the top 16 or higher; Ledgin, Henderson and Junior Jess Mattera. Ledgin will compete in the 500 Free and 100 Backstroke. Caroline Henderson will be in the 200 IM & 100 Fly and Mattera in the 100 and 200 free.
GL’s three losses are to perennial powers Westfield, Scotch Plains and a heartbreaking two-point loss to Watchung Hills back in December. Big wins include victories over local rivals New Providence and Summit in meets that went down to the wire. The girls squad expects to be among the top four teams overall at the county meet.
Boys: The boys also had a very solid season with a 6-3 regular season record. They have been able to maintain success despite a small squad of only thirteen swimmers. The group is led by senior captains Tommy O'Hara (200 & 500 Free) and Stephen Berliner (200 & 500 free) and both have their sights set on cracking the top 16 in scoring.
Senior Will Ahkao is the team's top sprinter and will be looking to score in the top 16 in his events (50 & 100 Free). Ahkao is also an important member of the relay teams. Junior Nicandro Donadio (200 & 500 Free), junior Nick Rubino (200 IM, 100 Fly), freshman Aidan Donadio (100 Free, 100 Breastroke) could possibly score some big points this weekend and be among the top eight in their respective events. They have a chance to do well. The team is shooting to maintain their run of top five finishes at counties.
