One on One with Bellefonte swim coach Tony Edmondson

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: March 18, 2021

Editor’s Note: Recently, Hometown Sports Editor Kenny Varner caught up Bellefonte swimming coach Tony Edmondson and asked him about the great season that his swim team had and how the season went despite the Covid-19 restrictions. We also talked about the team winning the district championship.

HS: Congratulations on winning the District! Who were some of your leaders on the team this year?

TE: On the girl’s team, we had three seniors who all had a hand in our success. Rianna Morris, Lizzy Haak and Natasha Hoffman made sure that our girls were ready each meet. Over on the boy’s side, senior Harry Horner and Nathan Taylor did the exact same. Our five boys were always prepared to compete and Harry and Nate played a large part in that.

HS: Who were the swimmers that advanced to States?

TE: Harry Horner (200 Freestyle), Kiaha McCool (200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay, and 100 backstroke), Kate Rarrick (200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay, and 500 Freestyle), Katelyn Packer (200 Medley Relay), Natasha Hoffman (200 Medley Relay and 200 Freestyle Relay), and Finley Musser (200 Freestyle Relay). Emma Pringle is the alternate for both girl’s relays.

HS: Coming into the season, did you expect the team to bond that quick?

TE: Yes, I did. We have a very young team but most of our 17 swimmers have been involved in swimming in Centre County for years. The Bellefonte/State College swimming community is one large family and that helps all the teams in our area.

HS: Were their any surprises this season? Was there a swimmer that surprised you with their performances?

TE: I knew we had a lot of talent across both teams but with all the Covid issues, I didn’t know what to expect in terms of a season. I was really surprised with all the time drops throughout the season despite our limited training availability. Instead of naming one surprise swimmer, I have to praise the entire team and their ability to adapt to an extremely modified season.

HS: With the season shortened because of Covid..How many meets were you able to get in?

TE: We were lucky to get in about 90% of the meets we had last season. The girls finished the year at 8-3 and the boys 5-3-1.

HS: How many swimmers do you have coming back next year?

TE: Of our 17, 12 will be back next season. Luckily we have a great YMCA program in Bellefonte and a handful of their swimmers will move up next season.

HS: How many are seniors?

TE: Five this year. Next year it looks like we will have three seniors.

HS: Could you give me a summary of the great season that you had?

TE: The highlight of the year was our girl’s team winning the District 6 AA team championship for the first time in eight years. At that meet, Sophmore Kate Rarrick brought home three 1st place medals. Freshman Kiaha McCool set two individual school records and was also part of a school record relay. She was also just named the Mt League MVP. Our girls were All Stars in 7 of the 11 events. On the boys side, senior Harry Horner and freshman Carter Boone lead the way all season.

Harry won the 200 free at Districts and Carter brought home two second place medals. All 5 boys had a fantastic season and their time drops at Districts capped a season long commitment to being the best they can be for each other. Harry Horner (50 free) and Carter Boone (100 fly) were named Mt League All Stars.