The Northampton varsity boys and girls swim teams made a big splash on Thursday night, Dec. 22, with the first home meet of the 2016-17 season.

Both the girls and boys squads achieved a win over East Stroudsburg North with the scores of 131-49 (girls) and 130-50 (boys). Northampton’s diving team also contributed to the point total, claiming all 20 diving points with their performance.

Coach Cullen Mentzell was pleased with the team’s performance at this first home contest.

“It was a good meet overall,” said Mentzell. “We had a lot of good times and we met most of the goals that we set for today.”

Among the highlights of the night were two first place wins for senior Morgan Fehnel.

Fehnel took first place in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:21.77) and the 50-yard freestyle (27.52). Junior Nicole Somers placed first in the 200 Yard Freestyle event (2:19.27) and sophomores Trinity Schoenberger and Brynne Rockovits placed first in their respective races – Schoenberger in the 100-yard backstroke event with a time of 1:10.88, and Rockovits placed first in the 200-yard IM and the 500-yard freestyle (2:20.96 and 5:46.79). The Northampton girls also took first place in the 200-yard medley relay, and the 200-yard and 400-yard freestyle relays.

For the boy’s team, the senior boys had a big night as senior Gavin Frankenfield placed first in the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke (1:54.12 and 58.89), senior Michael Bauer won the 100-yard Butterfly and 200-yard individual medley (57.16 and 2:06.15) and senior Josh Millan took first place finishes in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle events (25.01 and 56.17). Additionally, sophomore Jack Kennedy and junior Jarin Gaumer took first and second place in the 500-yard freestyle event with times of 5:27.59 and 5:33.22 respectively. The Northampton boys also swept all three of their relay events.

For Northampton, the season has got off to a great start with enrollment up and four wins now under their belt.

Senior and team captain Gavin Frankenfield is happy with how the team has come together this year.

“Team spirit is definitely up compared to past years,” said Frankenfield. “We cheer each other on and we have a good time and that’s great for everyone.”

Frankenfield also echoed his coach’s sentiments about their first home meet, calling the meet an overall success and celebrating several great times achieved by his teammates. Frankenfield’s rally cry (which can often be heard around the pool before, during and after meets) summed up his feelings as he yelled “Yeah swimming.”

With the Christmas break upon them, the swim team will continue their practice schedule and focus on preparing for their next meet vs. Whitehall on Jan. 5.