Tradition Upheld by Finley Swimmers
Something magical happens when they hit the water. Year-after-year, the J. Taylor Finley Middle School girls’ swimming program grinds out a winning season as a new group of young stars emerge. The Falcons’ latest edition upheld a proud tradition by winning seven of ten meets against stiff competition.
Coached by veteran Chris Helmke, Finley’s roster included a mixed blend of 21 seventh and eighth graders. The team was led by Kristina Casale, Alana Alongi, Page Bond and Scout Ziegler, who each turned in the best times in their respective events.
Helmke said the team’s finest accomplishment was its final record, obtained “with a large group of beginner and intermediate level swimmers. Although no new school records were set, the girls worked hard toward individual best times and succeeded as a team.”
The coach called Alongi “a positive role model” and tagged Bond “a caring leader.” Helmke added that Casale displayed “excellent leadership qualities” and noted Ziegler’s “excellent work ethic.”
Alongi (freestyle sprinter), Bond (backstroker), Casale (backstroke/freestyle) and Ziegler (long and short distance freestyle) showed real talent and appear poised for fine careers on the high school level. The group was formidable both individually and in relay races.
“Dedication, hard work and sportsmanship were particularly evident in our last meet against Bethpage,” Helmke said. “With two of our swimmers out ill and no divers, the team rallied to cover the points necessary to win, 78-67.”
Finley will lose Alongi, Bond and Casale next year, along with many talented swimmers. But, Ziegler will be back, as will 10 other current seventh graders. Count on the Falcons to continue finding ways to win. “I expect all of our seventh graders to return next year as our eighth grade athletes advance to high school competition,” Helmke said. “Also, we expect the speed and depth of our team to improve and hope for another great year!”
Swimming has grown in popularity at Finley and the school has developed a reputation for strong individual swimmers and teams. Helmke’s reputation has also grown in the sport as his ability to cobble together a winning lineup has endured through the years.
What’s Finley’s secret? “Again, despite the lack of a diving team and limitations on practice time and space, our team continued to excel,” Helmke said. “Hard work and dedication allow our athletes to improve upon their personal goals, which allow for a winning season.”
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