By paul salus
Staff Writer
CHRIS KELLY Red Bank Regional’s Mary McCue is back to lead the Bucs this year as they look to stake their claim for Shore Conference supremacy.
The Red Bank Regional girls’ swimming team had its shot at knocking off the defending Shore Conference champions last week, and very nearly pulled it off.
The Bucs lost a tight meet against last year’s champions from Rumson-Fair Haven by a mere four points in a match that involved some of the top swimmers in the state, and some crafty strategies from the two coaches. In the end, it was Rumson that got the edge it needed, after both teams played mind games with each other throughout the meet.
Red Bank jumped out to a lead after 10 events, but exhausted its top freestylers in the 200 medley and the freestyle relays, leaving the door open for Rumson to steal the win with a 1-2 finish in the 400 freestyle relay using its top swimmers.
Both teams sent eight swimmers behind the blocks in the early relays, but in the end, it was Rumson’s strategy that prevailed, giving them the early leg up in the B North race.
But the Red Bank squad refused to be bitter about the effort, and acknowledged that the meet provided them with a solid boost of confidence to start this winter season.
Coach Warren Towns sees the meet as a learning experience and a sign of great things to come.
"We didn’t lose the meet against Rumson, we almost won," said Towns. "We didn’t really know about their team and their times; we just went out there and did our best. We just fell a bit short."
Senior Mary McCue is the team’s dominant swimmer, and is a superb athlete.
"She is absolutely phenomenal in every aspect of the sport, at all strokes," said Towns. "She is second to none in the conference, and I just love watching her compete. She’s is really remarkable."
McCue, who ranks among the top swimmers in the state, has committed to Columbia University.
Senior Christina Hession, who has rejoined the team after focusing on club swimming for two years, is a solid middle-distance and freestyle swimmer, and expectations are high for her this season.
"She’s another remarkable swimmer who can do it all," said Towns. "She’ll be in the top three in the state in the 500 meter this year, most definitely."
Senior Alex List is a freestyle and distance swimmer, and the third member of this powerful threesome that will allow the Bucs to compete with the top teams in the Shore .
"She’s always reliable, and she’s always consistent," said Towns. "I’ll take these three and put them against any three swimmers in the state. And you know what? They’ll win every time."
Senior breast stroke specialist Michelle Walsh is coming off a fantastic cross country season and has carried this success into the pool.
"She’s coming away with the best times of her career, and I think it has a lot to do with her winning attitude," said Towns. "She’s become accustomed to doing well, and her success is continuing into the winter."
Senior captain Bethany Sole is the glue that holds this RBR team together both in and out of the pool.
"She’s very into the team, and she is a great leader. She’s the organizer of the operation, and she’s the one who gets things done," Towns said.
With the solid start under their belts, the Bucs are looking forward to improving and challenging for the top spot in the Shore.
"We’re very excited about the start and about the great things we can accomplish this season," said Towns. "We’re very confident, and very talented. I expect us to make it through this season with some quality wins and, hopefully, make the states. And we definitely want another shot at Rumson before the season is through."
That chance will likely come on Jan. 11 at the Monmouth County meet.