Peddie Varsity Swimming has one of the strongest histories in Peddie Athletics. According to the team page on Peddie’s website,“[the] combined team of boys and girls has won 23 Eastern Interscholastic Championships, including an all-time highest-scoring victory in 2016, and eight Swimming World Magazine mythical championships.” 

Currently, Peddie Varsity Swimming is led by head coach Mr. Emmett Walling, who is joined by three assistant coaches: Ms. Heather Librizzi, Ms. Nicole Blank and Mr. Greg Wriede. The team is coed and is the only athletic team at Peddie that has a year-round commitment. 

Matching its honorable records and strong reputation, Peddie Varsity Swimming is known to be a rigorous commitment. Many of the practices are not optional and are sometimes held in the early morning. 

“I think morning practices are the most difficult commitment,” said varsity boys swimmer Mikey Kim ’28. “The amount of sleep that takes away is pretty crazy. And the fact that you get MO’s for missing during the winter season is sometimes annoying, too.” 

However, Falcons do find such commitments rewarding. “Despite these commitments, I’d say the main [reason] we all swim is because of the team,” Kim said. We’re very loud during every meet, showing passion for each other in a relatively solo sport. Some of my closest friends are also from the swim team.” 

He continued, “My favorite tradition is when we all run around the bonfire for Blair week. It’s near the start of the year, so it really helps new team members get acquainted with the team well. The craziness is exactly what brings us together as a team.”  

Despite the demanding practices, Peddie Varsity Swimming is a strong team consisting of motivated swimmers who find the experience rewarding and fun. Clearly, Falcons are able to do anything — they are able to run, play ball, row and even swim. Thanks to hardworking faculty, encouraging teammates and facilities full of opportunities, Falcons truly are able to soar anywhere.