PHILADELPHIA- The North Penn girls’ swim team took the District 1 title this weekend with outstanding performances at LaSalle University. The team took more than ten trips to the medal stand individually and in relays scoring 305.5 points. In addition to the awards, senior Kailyn Evans had record breaking times in two events.

“I broke three records this weekend, two being in the 200 Individual Medley. I broke the district meet record and North Penn’s team record [2:00.17]. I also broke a record in the 100 Breaststroke [1:02.92]. Now this one has meaning to it. Back in 1993 (24 years ago) my mom, Julie Krail-Evans held this record, and I broke it over the weekend. Hopefully I bring home 4 golds [from states] and a state title. I definitely have a little wiggle room to improve with my strokes over the next 2 weeks, ” said Evans.

Also in the 200 yard IM, sophomore Claudia Thamm took 5th place with a time of 2:04.48. Thamm also placed 3rd in the 100 yard Butterfly (55.85) and was part of the second place 400 Freestyle relay (3:26.70).

“I felt great, honestly , getting to see our hard work we’ve put in all season finally pay off was just an awesome feeling. Also, accomplishing such a huge goal on both the girls and boys side was pretty fun,” said Thamm.

Sophomore Parker Schulz and junior Megan Zartman also had great attributions to the 400 freestyle relay. Zartman also placed 3rd place in the 100 yard Backstroke (56.25), and Schulz tied for 7th place in the 100 yard Freestyle(52.34) and was part of the 2nd place 200 yard Freestyle Relay with Schulz, freshman Caroline Dunigan, and Junior Rosalinda Rivera(1:35.70).

“I think everyone came together naturally like we’ve always had in the past to reach our goal this year in winning all those relays and individuals at districts. This team is just a family, and it’s never hard for us to come together, no matter the occasion and rise to the challenges that we are faced with,” said Thamm.

Friday started with sophomore Heather Hartmann coming in 6th for the 500 yard Freestyle with the time of 5:02.10, and she was the only North Penn swimmer to compete in it.

“This entire year my coach, Jeff Faikish, has been telling the girls team that we have a target on our backs. As defending state champions it’s extremely nerve wracking going into states, but I have so much confidence in this team and myself to go out to Bucknell and have an awesome meet. We all know that we have to fix a few small details such as starts, turns, and finishes, but mostly we are prepared and ready to take on the rest of Pennsylvania and recapture our state title,” said Thamm.