The Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) is a highly competitive league for swimming. On Jan. 22 the Eagles traveled to Princeton to compete in the ECC meet, where the girls team secured first place and the boys placed third overall.

This was a historic win for the girls because this was their first conference championship title in school history. They were also able to finally take down their rivals Turpin,who had won the conference the previous four seasons.

“I think it’s a great look for walnut and shows how much our swim program has improved these past few years, and how competitive we can be,” SENIOR Ava Stallmeyer said.

To help secure the win, the Lady Eagles collected four first place finishes. SENIOR Phoebe Wright, a George Washington University commit, placed first in the 200 freestyle and 100 fly. Stallmeyer won the 100 breastroke and Sofia Matern ‘24 won the 200 Individual Medley.

“I’d won a few years in the past but it’s always nice to win and ge that winning feeling again”. Stallmeyer

“I was kind of surprised with my times” Matern said.

While Stallmeyer and Wright are college commits and this will be their last season swimming for the Eagles, the future looks bright. The younger side of the team performed very well, adding in points with top ten finishes.

Angelina Dipaola ‘24 had two top six finishes in the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke. This projects the team to continue having success in upcoming seasons.

Along with the success in the individual races, the WHHS relays were instrumental in securing the win. The 400 freestyle relay finished first, with the 200 medley relay finishing second and the 200 freestyle relay finishing third. Relays are so important because they are worth double the amount of points.

“Its a lot of fun to be competing with your teammates and cheering everyone on especially when your last and you can pull through for the team”

Although winning the ECC is a huge accomplishment, the swim team is not ready for the season to be over. Next up is the road to the state championship. To get to state swimmers must qualify for Districts, then qualify for states.

Matern, Stallmeyer, and Wright were all state qualifiers last season, and as indicated by their ECC victories, are expected to make it back to Canton.

“I want to perform well in this championship season,” Stayllmeyer said.

At last seasons state championship, Wright finished third in the 100 freestyle and fourth in the 200 freestyle. This year she looks to take home the crown in both of those events.

“My goal for the end of the season is to win state,” Wright said.