Ringgold swimmers aiming for return to WPIALs

By DEAN DELLAMALVA JR.

MVI Sports

Most great stories of triumph begin with some trials and tribulations. Any champion who pushes through and is successful in this time will have quite the story to tell.

The Ringgold Rams swimmers could be getting ready to start telling their story of triumph. A delay to the start of their season, a pandemic and normal hurdles are just a few of the issues the Rams will face this season.

“We are going to have many obstacles this year to overcome,” Ringgold coach Bethany Curzi said. “On top of the pandemic, we are a team without a home pool so we have more than a few obstacles to overcome. 

“I believe our swimmers and divers are ready to overcome these obstacles and put forth their best effort every time they get into the pool. It might not be what we are used to but I believe this team will still do great things this year given the opportunity.”

There are a few swimmers the Rams will need to replace due to graduation.  Danika Evans, Bella McGregor, Michelle Stoffel, Lilly Mentzer, Liz Clemmer and Noah Stillwagon are gone and will be missed.

However, Ringgold brings back several key swimmers on both the girls’ and boys’ teams. Many of the returning athletes competed at WPIAL Finals last season and will be looking to improve on their performances.

Senior Andrea Kassa came home 10th in the girls 200 freestyle at WPIALs and was part of a 200 medley relay team with junior Paige Doleno who finished 11th. Doleno also competed in two other individual events and the 400 free relay.

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