Quaker Valley notebook: Former Quakers swimmer lends expertise as coach

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, January 26, 2025 | 11:01 AM

Did you know that Matt Kwalick, a Quaker Valley assistant swim coach, competed for the Quakers swim team when he was a high school student?

“We are super thrilled to have Matt Kwalick as a new assistant this year,” said Margaret Getty, a senior leader on the QV girls team. “It has been wonderful welcoming him back to the team. I look forward to watching (head coach) Merci (McCarthy) and Matt continue to grow our program.

“Also, being a captain this year has given me the opportunity to bring together our girls team, which has been so amazing. We’ve all gotten really close, and it has made us a lot stronger and our experience more fun.”

Kwalick assists coach Mercedes McCarthy in the QV swim program.

“Everyone is dedicated, and the coaching has been excellent,” said Thomas Fuener, one of three seniors on the boys team. “Merci is an experienced veteran, and Matt is a super knowledgeable guy.”

Adlan Hifri, another senior who plans to attend the College of Charleston to study biological sciences, is one of only seven competitors on the boys swim team.

“Coming into this season, I knew it was going to be a challenge with very few boys on the team,” Hifri said. “But I couldn’t be more proud of all the hard work the guys have put in to compete at every single swim meet this year.

“And I want to add that I can’t thank coach Merci and coach Matt enough for the time and effort they put into training and meets to help up improve and reach our goals. It wouldn’t be Quaker Valley swim and dive without them.”

College swimming

Getty, a distance specialist in the pool, plans to continue her competitive swim career at West Chester University, located near Philadelphia, where she will major in psychology.

“I am really looking forward to having the opportunity to swim for their program for the next four years,” Getty said.

Scoring stars

A tip of the cap to Quaker Valley hoopster Harrison Kerley for scoring 21 points Jan. 10 in a 63-49 section loss to Beaver.

Kerley, a 5-foot-8 freshman guard, was complemented offensively by Nic Cohen’s 13 points. Speaking of Cohen, the 5-10 freshman guard netted a career-high 26 to lead QV to a 91-38 nonsection win Jan. 18 against Eden Christian.

Six-foot-two sophomore forward Kolton Johnson (18 points), Kerley (15) and 6-5 senior forward Dana Kromah (10) also reached double figures for the Quakers.

Twins on the mat

Quaker Valley freshman wrestlers Tommy Minnock and Natalie Minnock are twins.

Tommy competes in the 145-pound weight class; Natalie wrestles at 107.

“The Minnock family is a huge supporter of the Quaker Valley wrestling program,” QV coach Austin Heinl said. “Tommy has wrestled since he’s been in the youth program. This is Natalie’s first year competing.”

Thiero hits milestone

Quaker Valley junior G/F Mimi Thiero scored 29 points Jan. 20 to reach the 1,000-point mark for her career and lead Quakers past Sto-Rox, 68-19, in a Section 1-3A girls basketball game.

QV’s Leasia Karto, a freshman forward, added 12.

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