By Avonlea Cummings
Hometown Weekly Sports Reporter
In an impressive demonstration of skill and determination, the Walpole High School Swim and Dive Team made a significant impact on their 2023 season. Showcasing their talents in the pool, both the boys and girls secured spots in sectionals and sent eight swimmers to the Division II State Swim Meet on Saturday, November 11th. The participating swimmers at the state meet were Jane Bahm, Madison Shea, Faith Cullen, Caisa Byerly, Ben Bahm, Avneensh Shenoy, Spencer Byerly, and Mayank Shah. The boys excelled, earning third place in the 200-yard Medley Relay, with Avneesh Shenoy and Madison Shea receiving individual event medals.
The boys' team proved formidable, with all three of their relays qualifying for sectionals and maintaining their momentum at the state level. Senior team captain Ben Bahm delivered exceptional performances, earning a spot in seven out of eight events for sectionals. Junior Avneesh Shenoy mirrored Bahm's achievements and secured a qualification for the 100 backstroke at the state level. The Timberwolves' success was further emphasized as they claimed third-place medals in the 200-yard Medley Relay at the State Swim Meet.
During the state meet, senior captain Ben Bahm swam the 50 fly in the 200-yard Medley Relay, reflecting on the significance of the season for him.
“I thought it was very fun, it was my final year. I got to qualify in all but one event this year for sectionals, which was something I feel like I have been building up to do. For this year alone, I finally have settled into my two main events 100 fly, and a 200 free, it’s been great to be able to focus on just those, whereas in past years I tended to float around filling in heats when needed. For states, there was definitely a lot of excitement and a lot of nerves, this was the first time we were able to get a medal at states and it felt very rewarding to do it because we were so good and we knew we could make the time, we knew we could bring our best,” said Bahm.
Freshman Madison Shea made a notable impact for the girls, earning a spot in the 500-yard freestyle for both sectionals and states. Additionally, Jane Bahm, Faith Cullen, and Caisa Byerly competed in a Medley Relay at the state level.
Reflecting on her experience as a freshman entering states, Madison Shea shared her thoughts on the 2023 season.
“Something I found rewarding about the season is placing second place overall in the 500 at states and fourth place at sectionals. Coach Cheryl gave very diverse practices, we got the chance to do everything, she always made sure we had times for everything as well so it’s easier to see areas you may do well in and then areas where you may want to work more on. I was incredibly nervous for states because I was seeded second in the 500 overall, and going into it I was hoping to drop sometime, and coming out of it I placed second again, but dropped at least nine seconds. I’ve been swimming seven or eight years now and being on swim team has become a regular part of my life now,” said Shea.
As the 2023 season comes to a close, the Walpole High School Swim and Dive Team can reflect on a season marked by individual accomplishments and collective victories. The dedication and skill exhibited by every athlete, regardless of seniority, have undeniably made a lasting impact—a cause for celebration and pride.
