Pennington Swimming continued its tradition of celebrating personal bests with last Friday’s record changing ceremony, held poolside in the Michael T. Martin Aquatic Center. Head Coach George Ward presided over the ceremony, which began with a recognition of all of the swimmers who had earned their varsity letters, as well as a presentation of pins to the team captains.

In addition to the coaches, athletes, and family members in attendance, two former Red Hawks were on hand to help celebrate the program’s ongoing success. Norm Noe ’87, a former Pennington Swim record holder and assistant coach from 1999 until 2002, helped mark the occasion, and had warm words of encouragement for today’s swimmers. Additionally, another long-time record holder, Jack Brooks ’76, joined in as well, participating in a Q&A with Coach Ward to discuss his time as a lifeguard with the Ocean County Beach Patrol.

The first change to the record board was made by Hania Jernigan ’28, who first appeared on the board last season with new School records in the 100m breaststroke and the 200 free relay. This year, Jernigan added her name for the third time, replacing a record previously held by Alexandra Stevens ’19 in the 200 IM; Jernigan laid down that time of 2:06.17 at the NJISAA State Championships, where she placed first overall across both Prep A and Prep B categories, earning All-State honors for her top-spot finish.

Ethan Han ’29 also spent some time up on the ladder last Friday, swapping out two new School records: one in the 200 IM (1:52.21) and another in the 100m breaststroke (56.02). Han broke both of those School records —each previously held by David Curtiss ’21—at the prestigious Easterns Swim Meet in Lancaster, PA, where Han placed third overall. While only a ninth-grader, Han also helped lead the boys’ team to another NJISAA State Prep B State title this season.