Lead / Create / Contribute
235 Hope Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724  /  732.542.4777

More Stories

List of 10 news stories.

Swimming Co-Captains Take Control of Record Board

The Panther’s Middle School swim team proved itself nothing short of perfect this winter. Having competed in 10 regular-season meets, the team acquired a flawless 10-0 record and outscored many of its opponents by an average 60 points or more. One leader on this year’s team — and a large part of Ranney’s success as the Middle School swim program moved toward its third straight perfect season — was eighth grade standout Audra Smires (Freehold). Audra entered the 2011-12 winter season not knowing that her third year on the Panther swim team would be her best year yet.

As co-captain of her team, Audra became an inspiration to those in the pool, scoring the most points for the girls’ squad to date. “A key part of succeeding in swimming is how you approach things mentally,” said Audra. “Coach Dolan helps to calm me down when I am nervous and mentally challenges me by always changing the events he wants me to swim.”

Due to her versatility swimming numerous events in the pool, Audra was able to capture eight unprecedented individual records as well as two relay records with her teammates this season alone! Overall, she set new standards in the following events this year: 25-meter Freestyle (13.22), 100-meter Freestyle (1:03.67), 100-meter Individual Medley (1:14.89), 50-meter Butterfly (32.68), 50-meter Breaststroke (40.32), 50-meter Freestyle (29.49), 200-meter Freestyle (2:17.74), 50-meter Backstroke (35.16), 100-meter Freestyle Relay and 200-meter Freestyle Relay.

Having already captured eight school records, two Ranney Swim Invitational Championships and three undefeated seasons throughout her career in the pool as a Panther, Audra says, “I would love to contribute to an undefeated season some time during my high school career. Along the way, I aspire to break at least one high school record as well.”

Another standout swimmer and co-captain of the Middle School swim team, Zachary DiGiaro ’16 (Middletown) also acquired eight individual and three school relay records during his time on the Middle School swim squad. While Zach claims that his fondest memory with Ranney swimming thus far was earning a record time of 30.07 in the boys’ 50 Fly during the winter of his sixth grade career, he will also never forget achieving records in the following events throughout the rest of his career at the Middle School level: 100-meter Freestyle (1:00.26), 100-meter Individual Medley (1:10.42), 25-meter Freestyle (12.87), 50-meter Freestyle (28.86), 200-meter Freestyle (2:11.01), 50-meter Backstroke (33.27), 50-meter Breaststroke (38.15), 100-meter Medley Relay, 100-meter Freestyle Relay and 200-meter Freestyle Relay.

“Quality practice equals quality swims,” commented Zach, who has also participated on the Red Bank YMCA Aquarockets for the past seven years. “I am with the senior 1 group that practices six days a week for about two and a half hours each day, and competes year-round in both short and long course events,” said Zach.

A dedicated athlete both in and outside of school, Zach has brought success to Ranney’s coed cross country and boys’ tennis teams as well. “Hard work and focus put in at practices translates to success in competitions,” Zach added.
Back

Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.