RHS Girls’ Swimming & Diving
It’s All in the Family For Rye Swimmers

To the victors go the spoils, and, in the case of Rye’s swimming and diving team, an increase in degree of difficulty. After they claimed the Division 2 title in 2007 by finishing the regular season undefeated, the Garnets were bumped up to Division 1.
If their performance September 18 in the season-opener is any indicator however, the Garnets should fare well against the new competition. The girls handily defeated Westlake at home in the Carver Center, 55-36.
Rye swimmers finished first in 10 of 11 events, paced by the efforts of sisters Allison and Melissa Fulenwider. Melissa, an eighth grader, took first in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle and the 400-yard freestyle relay, along with teammates Katie Konopka, Stephanie Schilling, and Catherine Tompkins. Allison sped to top times in the 100-yard breaststroke, and as part of the 200-yard medley relay team with Katie Hughes, Amanda Owens and Courtney Ciardiello. She nearly claimed first in the 200-yard individual medley after a furious rally, but settled for second.
“I was really impressed with our team today,” said Allison, a junior. “I actually wasn’t sure what it would be like moving up to Division 1, but we have some really fast girls, a lot of depth, and great team spirit. Expectations are high.”
Allison noted the addition of Hughes and Ciardiello as boons. Hughes, a senior, placed first in the 200-yard freestyle, 100-yard backstroke, and as a member of the 200-yard medley relay team. Ciardiello was first in the 100-yard butterfly. Rye also scored wins in the 500-yard freestyle (Kelly O’Neill) and the 200-yard freestyle relay (Dana Egan, Schilling, Chiharu Takei, and Lena Krikorian).
Both Allison and Melissa are year-round swimmers who compete for Empire Swimming and American Yacht Club. Allison has been the fastest breaststroker in Rye since 7th grade. Melissa is a freestyle dynamo. She medaled over the summer at the Empire State Games, snaring a gold in the 400 freestyle relay and a silver in the 100.
“We have a healthy competition,” said Allison, with a laugh. “My little sister certainly keeps me motivated.”
Although 13-year-old Melissa is fast on Allison’s heels, she has nothing but admiration for her older sibling.
“It’s really fun to have her as a role model,” she said. “And it’s great that we can push each other and still be really close.”
The Garnets’ next meet is October 7 at the Carver Center.