Rebel Swimming and Diving wrapped up their season not only with an improved dual meet record of 11-5, but also with two Individual State Titles.

Although boys and girls compete on the same team for dual meets, Walpole Boys Swimming and Diving competes separately for Conferences, South Sectionals, and  Division II States.  For their postseason, the boys won both the Conference and South Sectional meets on November 2 and November 9 — a first for the Rebels.

“I was very happy with everyone’s performances at conferences,” said Head Coach Cheryl Cavanaugh. “Our boys really came through to win that meet.”

As for the girls, eight individuals qualified for Sectionals and three qualified for the State Meet.

The team’s greatest accomplishment this postseason came from senior Katie Smith.  At Conferences, Smith won the 100-yard breaststroke and just missed the win in the 100-yard freestyle.

At Sectionals, Smith continued her winning streak as she won the 100-yard freestyle, and finished second in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Last year at States, Smith won the 100 yard freestyle. However, she got second place in the 50-yard freestyle by .3 seconds.  This year, not only did Smith repeat as the State Champion in the 100-yard freestyle, but she also won the 50-yard freestyle. Now, Smith holds three state titles for Rebels Swimming and Diving.

“I really wanted to win the 100-yard freestyle again to defend my title,” said Smith. “Winning the 50 was an extra bonus.”

Cavanaugh said, “I was thrilled with the outcome of this season. Many of my non-club swimmers qualified and placed at Sectionals and States. On top of that my boys won both the Conference and Sectional meet, and Katie Smith won both her races. I could not be happier.”