It was a weekend full of state championship winners for South Jersey Catholic high schools both in the pool and on the track.
The Our Lady of Mercy Academy and Saint Augustine Preparatory School swim teams both completed undefeated seasons, capped off by team state championships Feb. 23 at Rutgers University.
OLMA (9-0) won its second state title in school history by defeating Immaculate Heart Academy, 102-68, in the Non-Public state championship.
Led by freshman Simone McGlinchey, who won the 50 yard freestyle and the 100 backstroke, the Villagers took five of the eight individual events. Rhiannon Stanker (200 individual medley), Scarlett McGlinchey (100 butterfly) and Gia DiLeonardo (100 freestyle) each raced to a first-place finish. OLMA’s other state championship came in 2023 when they won Non-Public B. Since then, all non-public schools compete in the same bracket.
After the Villagers lifted their trophy, Saint Augustine Prep dove into competition and won its third consecutive state title, via a 121-49 victory over Pingry in the Non-Public state final. The Hermits (10-0) won 10 of the 11 events, including all three relays to finish their third consecutive undefeated season.
Michael McCarthy (200 free, 500 free), Jonah Alvarez (200 IM, 100 fly) and Christian Shenk (100 free, 100 back) were all double-winners, while Frank Ferzetti secured a victory in the 50 free. The Hermits will carry a 31-meet winning streak into next season.
In winter track and field, three individuals were crowned state champions at the Bubble in Toms River on Feb. 21. Senior Christian Napoli of Paul VI High School ran a thrilling 800 meter race in a time of 1:57.25 to win a Non-Public A state championship. In the 400, Saint Augustine Prep junior Marc Maccario bested the field with a time of 51.35 to win gold. In girls competition, junior Gianna Cianfrani of Paul VI cleared 10 feet, six inches to win a state crown in the pole vault.
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