Upper Perkiomen's swimming team split its non-conference meet against Schuylkill Valley last weekend. The boys opened their dual meet season with a 93-69 victory on Friday, Nov. 2.

            Eric Harter posted four first-place finishes for the Indians. Brayden Favre contributed three victories.

            With only nine swimmers, the team lacks quantity. However, head coach Brien Kalnoski described all members as high-quality performers.  "They're all very good, from top to bottom," he said.

            Eight of the swimmers should be consistent scorers during the Indians dual meet season, according to the coach. He said the other swimmer, Justin Maciolek, is new to the sport, but has made significant strides.

            "I'm very proud of Justin," Kalnoski said. "Justin has made spectacular improvement since the water polo season. He's working very hard."

            Harter finished first in the 200 freestyle (1:48.68) and the 100 breaststroke (1:05.23) against the Panthers. He teamed with Favre, Parker Elliot and Hunter Francisco to win the 500 free relay (1:37.93) and Favre, Nolan McCloskey and Evan Harter to win the 400 free relay (3:41.47).

            Favre won the 100 freestyle (54:51). Andrew Kelly finished first in the 100 butterfly (1:04.21), as did Hunter Francisco in the 500 freestyle (5:23.53).

Seven Indians hit qualifying times for the District One Class 2A championships during the home meet. Kalnoski didn't rule out the possibility that seven of his male swimmers would advance to the districts.

            "That would be quite an accomplishment," said the coach, whose team were scheduled to take on Lower Moreland on Wednesday.

            Eric Harter, a senior, and McCloskey, a sophomore, may be the Tribe's top district prospects. Last year, both qualified for the Class 3A meet in two events.

            Andrew Kelly is also a returning district qualifier. Kalnoski feels Favre and Parker Elliott – who hit the qualifying times in the 200 IM and 500 last weekend – have a good chance to get there as well.

            The Tribe girls lost 118-49.

Katherine Kovalenko led the team with two individual first-place finishes. She won the 200 IM (2:25.36) and the 100 breaststroke (1:14.47). Beatriz Santos won the 100 backstroke (1:03.56).

            Kalnoski feels Kovalenko and Santos should both challenge for a spot in the District One Class 2A championships. He said they both have already hit qualifying times.

"Beatriz is going to be an all-star," the coach said.

            The girls team includes several water polo players who came out for the swimming team to become more efficient in the water, according to Kalnoski. He said their stamina has already improved.