Thirteen returning letterwinners will try to continue the
winning tradition for the Bradford Lady Owls’ swim team in
2005-06.
Seniors Libby Cavagnaro, Erin Hannon, Elizabeth Putnam, Celia
Reiley and Tyler Seagren, juniors Kate Cohen, Ashley Eliason and
Katlyn Nelson and sophomores Ellie Imhof, Janie Reiley, Katie
Slavinski, Katie Vecellio and Heather Vickery will lead the Lady
Owls into their season opener today at Meadville.
They are joined by senior Aida Garcia, sophomores Leslie
Shallop, Corinne Switzer and Amanda Whiteman and freshmen Erica
Pascarella, Bethany Russell and Ashley Torrey.
“We have senior leadership and experience,” BAHS coach Pam Digel
said. “Some of the athletes have been part of a very strong program
throughout their athletic careers. I’m hoping their work ethic and
dedication to the sport will be shared by their teammates.”
Digel is concerned about her team’s lack of depth and lack of
diversity in strokes.
“We are very strong in our freestyle events (Libby Cavagnaro,
Celia Reiley, Janie Reiley, Katie Slavinski) and we have some
strong returning stroke people such as Ellie Imhof (200 IM, 100
fly), Kate Cohen (200 IM) and Katlyn Nelson (100 breast),” the
coach pointed out. “In the stroke events, however, we are really
lacking some of the depth that we have had in the past.
“In the first three weeks we have focused on technique and
making corrections in some of the younger kids. We have had some
strong practices. The kids seem very upbeat and excited about
getting the season started.
“Our three freshmen are coming into the program with a lot of
age group experience. We see a lot of promise from them.”
Hannon will be the lone girls’ diver for the season.
Digel, beginning her 20th season as head coach, has had a
tradition of solid Lady Owls’ swim teams during her tenure.
The Lady Owls have won the District 9 League meet the last five
years as well as capturing the District 6-9 Regional competition
for five consecutive seasons.
“We are starting the season with more unknowns than we have had
for quite some time,” Digel admitted. “We are going to take it one
meet at a time. We are confident our swimmers will do the best job
they can.”
For the boys, there are three returning lettermen – sophomores
Ben Daggett, Alex Goodman and Vince Pascarella.
Other members include sophomore Dan Gonzalez and freshmen Matt
Anderson, Steve Cavagnaro, Josh Lightner and Matt Schwab.
“I’m very excited for the boys team this year,” Digel declared.
“The numbers are up. With such a young group I’m excited to see
what they are going to be able to put together.
“We’ve gone back and started with a lot of basics. They are very
upbeat and working together great as a team.
“For the last several years we have struggled with our numbers.
However, this year we are really excited to see more
enthusiasm.”
Returning as an assistant coach is Katrina Cibula. Also
assisting are Dan Confer, Chris Brooks and Freya Lopus.
