Diving In: An In Depth Look at Pascack Valley Swimming

In a school where Pascack Valley prides itself on athletics, it’s hard to keep track of it all.

The football team started the season at 11-0 and competed for a State Championship. Boys and Girls Soccer each had double digits win totals and fantastic seasons overall. The Volleyball team was in the Top 10 in the County. Girls Basketball is coached by a legend in Jeff Jasper and has continued to have success throughout the years. If someone explained that the Girls Swimming team has won three straight league titles and have been one of the most successful teams in the school, not many people would have believed it.

A couple of years ago, Pascack Valley didn’t even have a swim team. After being involved in swimming his whole life, Shawn Buchanan wanted that to change.

“I started to swim when I was 5 and started coaching when I was 18,” said Coach Shawn Buchanan. “I have always loved coaching and was surprised when I found out that Pascack Valley didn’t have a team.”

When he arrived at Pascack Valley during his first year of teaching, two families expressed interest in creating a swim team.

“It was perfect timing because of my arrival and their interest,” added Buchanan. “It just worked out really well.”

With the help of those families and the school itself, a swim team was created and the tradition had begun.

Three consecutive league titles later, the time is now for everyone to start paying attention. They are currently undefeated at 8-0 and took first in the Big North League Meet on January 13^th. 

“These girls really exceeded my expectations in how they came together as a team and put in the hard work in practices and meets,” explained Buchanan. “Our original goal is to be league champs and I am happy we have been able to achieve that goal.”

           

Swimming isn't the typical sport in terms of its practice schedule and preparation.

“People think we’re crazy for waking up at the ungodly hour of around 4 am,” joked Senior Co-Caption Jennifer Iannello.

Instead of practicing after school, swimmers have a completely different routine. They hit the pool for a 4:45 practice that usually does not end until 6 AM. Despite waking up early, Senior Nicole Calianese, the other co-captain, embraces the moment.

“Practicing before school creates a strong bond between the team because it is composed of a group of people all with the same passion.”

This could be used to show why Pascack Valley has been successful.

“Never has our team been made up of a bunch of superstars,” added Buchanan. “It really takes a team effort to win in swimming and many people don’t realize that. Depth is the key because in the end, it takes a collective effort to be successful.”

In addition to working together, certain qualities and skills are needed to compete at the Varsity Level. Many swimmers love the water, making it a little easier to jump into a freezing cold pool before the sun rises. In addition, stamina and determination are important in any type of swimming race. Whether it be freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, or breaststroke, swimmers must be able to maintain a fast pace to keep up with their competitors.

“When you have hit your limit, you have to push even harder, “ said Iannello.

Most importantly, the mental aspect of swimming is just as important as the physical aspect. “When you are racing,” explained Calianese, “you are in a lane yourself, alone with your mind. It is up to you to find the drive from within.”

These are qualities that Coach Buchanan has continuously preached to his swimmers throughout the year and they have responded. His calm demeanor and knowledge of the sport have given these girls a good coach, a supporter, and most of all, a very good role model.

“Mr. Buchanan is amazing,” added Iannello. “Words will never do justice to how great of a coach he is.”

Although winning the league championship was the immediate goal, the Pascack Valley swimming team is not finished yet.

“Our ultimate goal is to qualify for states,” said Buchannan, “and we have only accomplished that once.”

Buchanan believes that the Girls Team will qualify with the only question being the seed they will receive. Regardless of how they fare in the state meet (granted they make it there), this has been a memorable season for the team and one that will not soon be forgotten.

When receiving the daily newspaper, the time is now for people to start looking at the swimming results along with those of other Pascack Valley sports.

Some might find it surprising, but the fact of the matter is that Swimming is one of the most successful and consistent programs this school has to offer.