By LESLEY GRAHAM
As the 2021-2022 winter sports season kicks off, all the competing teams for the Red Raiders are looking forward to a season of more normalcy, since last year’s season involved a shortened season with no post season opportunities.
Boys Swim
The Red Raiders are 5-1 on the young season and looking ahead to what the full season will bring after a 6-1 shortened season in 2020-2021.
The Ocean City High School boys swim team, led by Head Coach Shane McGrath has his team working hard in and out of the pool to prepare for a full season ahead.
“The team is working hard to be their fastest at the end of the season, when it matters,” said Keyser.
The Red Raiders return a strong class including Pat Armstrong, Matt Woodside, Mike Kelly, Nick Bianchi, Gavin Neal, Jackson Agnellini, and Colin Abbott.
After losing two strong swimmers to graduation, Steve Gooden who is swimming at Swarthmore College and Dolan Grisbaum who is continuing his swimming career at Boston University, Ocean City is looking to newcomers Tommy Armstrong and CJ Denn to add to their roster depth.
The team is excited for a full season that includes post season and invitationals and is looking forward to exceeding their potential.
Girls Swim
The Red Raiders girls swim program is also ready to kick off a new season with a stellar 4-1 start to the year. Head Coach Ian Keyser is excited about the potential his team has with a mix of experience and youth.
Last year the team finished with a 4-3 record in the shortened season due to COVID-19.
“The team has been working extremely hard this season. We have a great combination of veteran leadership and experience paired with young talent. Our swimmers are looking forward to having a successful season both individually and as a team,” said McGrath.
Key returners for the Red Raiders are Olivia Scherbin, Lilly Teofanova, Ava Kelly, Vanna Kelly, Kelsea Cooke, Julianna Duff, while they look to fill the hole left by last year’s graduating seniors including Alex Antonov, Katie Barlow and Sydney Rossiter.
McGrath is hopeful that newcomers Mia Buonadonna, Ryan Cooke, Abby Hays and Sofia Petrov can make an immediate impact for the Red Raiders as well.
Wrestling
Last year the Red Raiders wrestling program had a solid 8-4 record last year under Head Coach Dan Calhoun.
Calhoun will rely on the experience of seniors Liam Cupit, Charley Cossaboone, Sam Williams and Aidan Fischer. Cossaboone was a 2021 super regional qualifier during his junior campaign.
Calhoun, who is entering his fourth season as the head coach of the Raiders, is looking forward to a full season of competition with a group of seniors and nucleus of under classmen ready to take the mat and compete.
The wrestling team will open with two tournaments in December which will allow them the opportunity to learn what they need to do to win and compete.
Dual teams will then begin in the new year.
“I have high expectations for both the seniors and the younger talented wrestlers ready to make a name for themselves,” Calhoun said.
Ocean City High School Athletic Director Geoff Haines added that the entire winter sports program is looking forward to a safe and healthy winter season.
“We want to continue our winning traditions while playing with class, respect and teamwork,” Haines said.
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