It’s been an unprecedented five years for the Pine Bush girls’ swimming and diving team, as the Bushmen have won over 50 straight Section 9 dual meets, continuing as undefeated league, Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association and Section 9 champions.

They’re looking to keep it rolling in 2023 as they enter the season having lost two state relay swimmers – Samantha McKee and Ally Vargas – along with Rebeca Lockward.

They’ll also look to making it 60 straight at some point this season.

They return the core of their team with previous state qualifiers Katie Webster, Mackenzie Gula, Sadie DeGeorge, Ashley Martin and Ella Humphrey.

That leaves Pine Bush coach John Barth excited as his team enters into his 18th season as coach.

There will also be some changes outside of the pool, as Barth’s assistant coach Kathy Gallagher has retired after 29 seasons, and she’ll be replaced by former state-qualifying swimmer Amber Hrbek.

Newcomers include Norah Germano and Sophia Gallagher.

“We obviously have a big bullseye on our back and are looking forward to another special season,” Barth said. “We have a talented group of young ladies, and they want to continue what they have been able to accomplish the last five years.”

The Valley Central Vikings, however, may be entering the new season with less fanfare, having graduated state-qualifying swimmers Cali White and Grace Satriano.

They’ve also lost Riley Conan, Giannie Restivo, Victoria Medley, Olivia MacEntee and Sarina Edwards from a team that finished fourth in Section 9 last year.

Returning are Emily White, Peyton Messing, Samantha Messing, Olivia Messing, Kaidyn Thompson, Rilee Kinsley, Bailey Badendyck and Samantha Thompson.

Newcomers include Isabella Brown, Abigail Hoover, Eleanor O’Neill, A’naya Allen, Madison Johnson, Leilany Marte and Nylah Reynoso.

“We have a great young team with a ton of talent,” second year coach Thomas Plitsch said. “The coaching staff is excited to be back and working again with this group of girls, and we hope to bring out the best racing and diving in each of the athletes.”

To Plitsch, that means competing at the highest possible level, reaching personal and team goals and qualifying as many sectionals as possible, with the ultimate goal of sending a swimmer and/or a diver to the state meet.

“We feel there is little pressure on us to compete to win Section 9 this year, which will allow us to focus on improving and getting stronger to hopefully make a run at a championship when some of our underclassmen gain a few more years of experience and training.”

The Wallkill Panthers, the area’s smallest team, one that doesn’t have a home pool of its own, returns the entire group of swimmers that placed 16th at last year’s Section 9 championship meet.

They’ll return three seniors, including Andie Psilopoulos, Ruth Weinmann and Julianna Lewis.

Also returning are junior Kaitlyn Bonner and sophomore Samaya Drackett. Tamara Brand will join the team.

“Without a home pool, this small group of swimmers will practice and compete at another level this year,” Wallkill coach Doug Thompson said. “I am very excited to see the dedication and work ethic so far this season. I’m looking to see many personal best times by the entire team this year.”