TOWAMENCIN -There is little debate that the North Penn Swimming and Diving program can be categorized with many terms: storied, rich, successful, perennial powerhouse, dynasty, and champions are words that, over the last several decades, have been every bit appropriate in describing what has been accomplished in the waters at 1340 Valley Forge Rd.

While the history is rich for the Knights and Maidens, it has been 26 years since the Maidens have been able to brandish the banner that comes with the pinnacle of high school achievements, a team state championship.  But on March 17th, in a moment that put an exclamation point on North Penn’s 2016 winter sports season, the Maidens returned to glory, capturing the PIAA Class AAA State Championship.

Head coach Matt Weiser is quick to recognize the leaders behind this year’s extraordinary squad.

“The group of girls this year were certainly special. In particular, the four senior leaders and captains led this team in all aspects. Leah Brown, Aimee Baur, Erin O’Neill, and Marie Yacopino were just fantastic. Their experience (all had been to States at least 3 times) carried us over the top,” Weiser explained.

Yacopino’s gold medal diving performance combined with strong performances from senior swimmers and young Maidens, such as freshman Maureen Boland Bitner were enough to give the Maidens 243 total points and the first place finish.

POISE AND BALANCE IN THE POOL

In addition to technique, athletic ability, and competitiveness though,  Weiser also understands the importance of this team staying very much centered throughout the season.

“They were able to stay cool and collected throughout the year and championship season. Not one time all year did I bring up that we had a chance to win States. They knew it and they wanted it. Not only speaking of just the seniors, this was definitely the most talented group of freshman to come in a long time also. A combination of experience and leadership brought it back to NP,” reflected Weiser.

Over a long, grueling swimming season, and an even longer offseason, there are bound to be moments when a coach recognizes the possibilities that could be in store by season’s end.

“I knew right before Christmas break (after the Upper Dublin meet in December) that the team was going to be special. I didn’t see State Champs at that point, but I knew we had a shot,” Weiser said. “Once we swam in the Wilson Relays (January 16), and won 8 of 10 relays, I felt even better about our chances. The previous few years, we were lucky to win a relay or two. To completely dominate that meet against the competition there really showed our strength.”

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Back in 1990, when the Maidens last raised a championship banner, their head coach was Selma Robinson. Robinson has since retired from teaching, but the pull of NP athletics has brought her back as the Assistant Athletic Director, and for her, too, this year’s championship was special.

“It was a very proud moment for me to see the girls’ team presented the state championship trophy at Bucknelll University two weeks ago. I understand what it takes to win a state swimming and diving championship. Not only do you have to have phenomenal athletes on your team, but your coaches also need to know how to train the athletes to perform at their optimal level at the state meet,” Robinson explained.

Having been through the rigors of the Pennsylvania swimming world, Robinson also understands the scope of winning a state title.

“This is not an easy task to accomplish. The coaching staff was on point. The swimmers and divers competed at the highest level and met the challenge. To be honest, by the second day of competition North Penn had the championship in their hands. It was so fun to watch!” a proud Robinson reflected.

For Robinson, swimming is definitely a family affair. Her daughter Molly swam for the Maidens before moving on to Wagner College. And now, in a new role as an assistant coach Molly Robinson became the next of Robinson line to be there for a state title.

“On a personal note, I was thrilled to have my daughter, Molly, have the opportunity to be part of a great experience.,” Selma said. “I looked forward to her sharing stories about the day to day training and their preparation for the championship season. She loved working with the girls.”

While it may be easy to get swept up in the results of the 2016 team, Weiser knows that both he and his swimmers are only a part of the much bigger picture of success for the swimming and diving program at North Penn. He was only a young kid when the Maidens last brought home a state crown, but Weiser is well aware what it has taken in the past to build champions at North Penn and what it still takes today.

“To me, it feels like we got the programs on the right track to be successful not only this year, but in the future. There are a lot of people who contribute to a State Championship, and it starts with the development of NPAC and streamlining it with the high school team. Both Jeff [Faikish] and I developed the right culture for NP to succeed in Aquatics- water polo, swimming, and diving. We are one team, and that’s the way the kids see it now. I personally just feel fortunate to be along for the ride. So many people made this happen- I just had a small part in it,” Weiser stated.

AN INCREDIBLE WINTER SPORTS SEASON

The Maidens state title, while a tremendous accomplishment unto itself, really became an exclamation point on the 2016 winter sports season for North Penn. 2016 saw wrestler Mikey O’Brien record his 100th win, Lady Knights hoops star Mikaela Giuliani netted her 1,000th point while her coach Maggie DeMarteleire notched her 500th career victory.

The Knights wrestlers grappled their way to a 7-0 record and Conference Title, while the Lady Knights advanced to the AAAA state semi-final, and the Bowling team advanced to their state tournament in March as well.

In addition to the 2016 teams having such unprecedented success, long time Track and Field coach Richard Swanker also brought the spotlight onto North Penn when he was, this winter, inducted into the Pennsylvania Track and Field Hall of Fame.

So when the Maidens swam to state glory, on March 17th, athletic director Bill Bartle saw the end to an unprecedented winter sports season, and sees this season as a true reflection of what North Penn has to offer.

“First and foremost, it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of

the athletes and coaches that has allowed us to enjoy the success of the winter sports teams this past season. Anytime you can bring positive attention to North Penn, it is a good thing. Having an athletic program that has outstanding athletes and teams brings the community together. It was nice to see the fans from the community come out and support the teams throughout the season. It allows our community members to see the outstanding student athletes that are representing North Penn. The notoriety that has been brought to our winter programs helps to lay the foundation for future teams that will continue to carry on North Penn traditions,” explained Bartle.