The William Byrd swim team celebrated “Senior Night” at the Gator Center last Wednesday, January 12, when they hosted Salem in a meet.
The Byrd boys took a 100-67 win over the Spartans while Salem won the girls event, 76-68. First place finishes for the boys included Colin Murtaugh in the 200 free and 100 fly, Aiden Brinkley in the 200 IM and 100 back, Austin Nielsen in the 500 free and 100 breast and both the 200 Medley and 400 free relay teams.
For the girls, Emma Copening won the 50 free and 100 breast, Isabella Posadas took the 500 free, Amber Vaughn won the 100 back and the girls also won both relays.
Prior to the meet Byrd recognized a dozen seniors.
“We are all going to miss them so much” said coach Krista Martin. “the best part about coaching is really getting to know a swimmer over the course of several years. It’s hard to imagine the team without them.”
Here is a capsule of each of the dozen seniors as they were recognized last week.
Aiden Brinkley: Aiden was escorted by his parents Stacie and Todd. He has been on the team for 5 years. His best events are the 200 IM and the 100 back. His best swim team memories have been competing with his team at states. Aiden plans to study sports therapy and continue club swimming.
Griffin Horacek: Griffin was escorted by his mom Tracey. He has been on the team for 5 years. His best strokes are backstroke and freestyle. One of his favorite memories has been making the state team. Griffin plans to attend college and study cyber security.
Matthew Hoyos: Matthew was escorted by his mom, Candice. He has been on our team for 5 years. His best events are the 100 fly and the 500 free. Matthew says one of his favorite memories on the team has been “making states and relays”. He plans to join the Navy Nuclear School.
Nathan Miller: Nathan Miller has been on the team for 5 years and his best events are the 50 and 100 freestyle.
Austin Nielsen: Austin was escorted by his parents, Sarah and Ben. He has been on the team for 5 years. His best events are the 200 IM and the 100 Breast. One of Austin’s favorite memories was when our team placed 3rd last year at states. Austin plans to go to Roanoke College next year and study health and exercise science.
Emma Copening: Emma was escorted by her parents, Brian and Jennifer. She has been on the team for 5 years. Her best events are the 200 IM and the 100 breast. Emma says her favorite part about the team has been “getting to cheer on her friends”. Emma plans to study biomedical and mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech.
Catie Harless: Catie was escorted by her parents Harold and Diane. She has been on the team for 3 years. Her best events are 50 and 100 freestyle. One of her favorite memories was making finals at the All Timesland Invitational. Next year, she plans to attend JMU and study to become a physicians assistant.
Elsie Kincer: Elsie was escorted by her parents Sharece and Troy. She has been on our team for 5 years. Her best events are the 100 breast and 50 free. Elsie says the best part about being on the team “are the friends I’ve made”. She plans to go to college next year to study psychology.
Madeline Miller has been on the team for 5 years and her best events are the 200 IM and the 50 free. She says the best part about being part of the team is getting to spend time with her friends. She plans to attend a 4 year university next year.
Anna Milliron: Anna was escorted by her parents Stephanie and Jay. She has been on our team for 2 years and her best events are the 50 and 100 free. Her favorite part about being on the swim team is “how supportive everyone is and how it truly feels like family.” Anna plans to attend Ferrum College in the fall to play soccer and study psychology.
Natalie Schneider: Natalie has been on our team for 1 year and her best events are the 50 and 100 freestyle. Natalie’s favorite part about being on the swim team is that she says, “I love pushing myself at practice and getting to see friends she’s met on the team”… she says next year she’s hoping to attend Virginia Western in the fall.
Amber Vaughn: Amber was escorted by her parents Regina and Ed. She’s been on our team for 3 years. Her best events are the 100 back and the 100 free. Amber says that the best part about swim team would be “the team and the coaches”.. she says, “they are always so supportive and fun to be around.” Amber plans to attend Roanoke College in the fall to play softball and study business.
