New coach expects Plum swimmers to maintain level of success

By: Andrew John
Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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The Plum swimming program is aiming for more consistency as Shane Ging takes over as head coach.

Ging, who replaces Shawn Haupt, is familiar with the Plum swim program since he has been an assistant coach with the team the past four years.

“I’ve been here a while with these kids, so it’s nice to see them learn and grow as time goes on. I’m excited for another successful season,” Ging said.

Since taking over, Ging has been trying to stress to the team the importance of consistency while also having a positive outlook.

“Consistency is key,” he said. “We’ve had successful years here at Plum. We need to keep doing what we are doing and working hard.

“I’m also all about positivity. No one person can make or break a team, but it obviously takes a team effort. I think overall just staying positive, working together and having some good team culture is what it’s all about.”

Senior Giuliana Ricciuti and junior Brooke Price return for the Mustangs this season.

Last season, Ricciuti finished sixth in the 200-yard free with a time of 1:55.88 at the WPIAL Class 3A championships. Ricciuti finished ninth in the 100-yard backstroke at WPIALs with a time of 59.40.

Ricciuti finished seventh in the 200 free and 11th in the 100 back during her sophomore season.

Price finished 15th in the 100 back and 22nd in the 500 free at WPIALs.

Junior Dom Massie also returns for the Mustangs after finishing seventh in the 100 free with a time of 53.64 seconds.

Senior Kaileigh Smith, junior Charlotte Faust and junior Delaney Hunsinger will also return for the Mustangs after being part of the relays last season. Plum finished sixth in the 200 free relay (1:39.40), seventh in the 400 free relay (3:37.19) and eighth in the 200 medley relay (1:52.74) at WPIALs.

Smith finished sixth in the 100 breast. Faust finished 22nd in the 50 free and 23rd in the 100 free. Hunsinger finished 14th in the 100 free and 22nd in the 200 IM.

“They had a great year last year all around with WPIAL qualifiers,” Ging said. “Individual results looked great and relay results looked great. We were close to breaking a record or two there. We are hoping to have another successful run at WPIALs and hopefully at states.”

The Mustangs will look to replace the loss of Amelia Faust and Reese Schollaert due to graduation. Faust finished 15th in the 50 free, while Schollaert finished 22nd in the 100 fly and 26th in the 50 free at WPIALs.

Sophomore Aiden Irwin returns for the boys team after finishing 22nd in the 500 free at WPIALs last season.

The Mustangs girls team won its opening meet against North Hills, 119-63. The boys team lost to North Hills, 93-90.

“I’ve seen some successful seasons in the past few years,” Ging said. “We need to keep that consistency, working hard and seeing that hard work pay off.”

Tags: Plum