Boys Swimming: Strath Haven has exceeded expectations

NETHER PROVIDENCE — Strath Haven coach Dina Dormer is the first to admit that she had questions coming into the season about her boys team. Last season’s squad came together around a central figure in states-qualifier Clay Resweber. But there would be no ready-made replacements for either the versatile Resweber or graduated sprinter Tom Platt, two individuals who could paper over the cracks on relays and in dual meets.

Instead of validating the understandably low expectations they entered with, the Panthers have continually exceeded them through the dual-meet season, a theme they hope translates to the postseason that begins with the Central League Championships at Radnor High School Friday and Saturday.

The 9-2 record the Panthers posted, punctuated by a 94-92 edging of Haverford, was third in the league. And while Haven’s swimmers enter the postseason without much individual hype, no one would be shocked if the Panthers’ defied expectations yet again.

“We like to think of our teams kind of like a group of savages,’ senior Nick Pappas said. “That’s how we always describe ourselves. So it’s like even though we don’t have one great swimmer, everyone just works together and it’s a great team effort all around to contribute to all of our wins.’

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