Undefeated Mamaroneck Girls Swim Team Sends Three Swimmers to State Championship

by Joan R. Simon; photos by Fred Levine

(UPDATE: November 22, 2004) Kaitlyn Ferguson has won the state championship in the backstroke.

Kaitlyn Ferguson explodes off the block at a meet earlier in the year.

(November 18, 2004) The Mamaroneck girls’ swim team has had an exceptional year, with an undefeated season (9-0) and three swimmers qualifying for the state championship. Coach Wayne Pollak remarked, “Mamaroneck has always had a pretty good team, but last year was the first time we were completely undefeated, so to repeat again was even more gratifying.”

The three girls qualifying for the state championship this weekend on Long Island are senior Kaitlyn Ferguson (100 backstroke and 200 IM); junior Patty Beck (100 backstroke); and sophomore Emma Chiapetta (100 fly). “Three individuals going to States,” commented Mr. Pollak, “is almost the best we’ve ever done.” He added, “States is a very high quality meet and the qualifying times are very fast. I’m expecting some very fast times” out of the Mamaroneck swimmers.

The team placed 4th out of 44 teams in the Sectionals on November 5, and Mr. Pollak commented that “while I’ve had a couple of strong years, most of the time we come in 10th or lower.” Kaitlyn Ferguson was the highest scoring Mamaroneck swimmer, winning the backstroke and coming in 2nd in the IM.

Emma Chiapetta

Commenting on the success of the team this year, parent Bonnie Beck said, “Having Kaitlyn on the team is phenomenal. She’s an incredible swimmer. But in addition to that, they couldn’t have won so many meets if they didn’t have a deep team.”

Patty Beck

This is the 25th and last season as coach for Mr. Pollak, who is a science teacher at the Hommocks.. (This winter will be the 28th and last season the he will lead the boys swim team, as well.) The new coach, who has not yet been selected, will have his work cut out for him next year, with a major renovation project expected to close the Hommocks pool for the 05-06 school year. Mr. Pollak noted: “It’s certainly not the best situation, but you scramble around and find time wherever you can. It’s not easy and I know it first hand because I’ve done it.”