By Todd Peterson
Coach Mike Giambruno and the Jamestown Community College swim team are set to begin the 2012-13 season and will start things off on the road when the Jayhawks participate in the Genesee Community College Invitational on Saturday.
Article Photos
The Jamestown Community College swimming and diving team will open its season on Saturday at the Genesee CC Invitational. In front, from left, are Emily Windoft, Kelsey Akin, Renee Massa, Hannah Gable, Danelle Turney and Sarah Madison. In the second row are Kierston Kio, Victoria Matteson, Erin Holley, Emily Holt, Allison Derby and Allison Chitester. In back are head coach Mike Giambruno, assistant coach Lori Strickland, Victor Hallett, Nick Burt, John Trombetta, Derek Hosier, Tom Prinzi, Phil Tubbs, diving coach Sarah Tranum and diving coach Adrienne Bryerton.
P-J photo by Jim Riggs
JCC features a team of 18 swimmers and divers, including nine returnees, competing in the Northeast Division of NJCAA Region 3 Division III at the non-scholarship level.
Last year ended on a high note for JCC as the women's squad was selected as first team NJCAA Academic All-Americans and finished eighth overall at nationals while the men finished in 12th place and also earned most improved honors.
Giambruno lost three strong performers through graduation, Matt Panebianco, Jon Hui Hui and Morgan Molfino, the most decorated swimmer in JCC history.
After preseason preparation, Giambruno is more than optimistic about his team.
" We have 18 kids on the squad and it's really a half-and-half with veteran leadership and good, young talent,'' he said. ''It's just great for the program and we have a lot to build with.''
One diving competitor that Giambruno is looking forward to seeing perform is Jamestown's Phil Tubbs, a freshman.
"I think he will be the podium guy for us in the regionals," the coach said. "He's that good. He's been working with Adrienne Bryerton and will also compete in freestyle and breaststroke. He's really cool."
On the women's side, Hannah Grable from Warren Christian is back and is ready for her sophomore season as a diver.
"Hannah has progressed well over summer, having worked with Sarah Tranum teacher at JCC, volunteering their time. I fully expect she will do really well," Giambruno said.
The "old man" of the team is Brocton's John Trombetta, who at 31 is JCC's main sprinter.
"John's been strong in preseason," said Giambruno. "He came back in great shape and always works hard for us.
Co-captain Victor Hallett is another swimmer Giambruno is counting on, specifically in the backstroke.
''I wouldn't be surprised if we see him standing on the podium," said his coach. "Victor has leaned out, is very powerful and had a good preseason. He's a great leader and sets a good example for everyone else."
Jamestown's Tom Prinzi is also returning.
"Tom's leaned out very well and he will compete in the IM and be a distance guy for us. He provides us with a lot of depth," Giambruno said.
Panama's Derek Hosier is back and will compete in the 100 backstoke and will be a longer-distance freestyler and Jamestown's Nick Burt will swim the butterfly, the IM and sprints.
Turning to the women's team, Southwestern's Emily Windoft is also returning and will be a co-captain.
"Emily is a versatile, steady swimmer,'' Giambruno said. ''She will give us more depth as a freestyler and in the IM."
Frewsburg's Kelsey Akin is a deep backstroker that Giambruno is counting on.
"I expect her to do well at regionals again and she could be a top five candidate," said her coach. "She works hard and is another veteran we can look to."
There are some expectations for Russell, Pa.'s Renee Massa, who is back as a sophomore.
"I expect her to do well in freestyle and backstroke," said her coach. "She had a good close at end of last season."
Jamestown's Danelle Turney is a sprinter and was a "track and tennis person that developed into a good swimmer," said Giambruno. "She won the Jayhawk award for most improved last year and looks really strong and comfortable in the water. She a had great preseason for us."
Warren's Sarah Madison is a sophomore, but new to JCC as sprinter and mid-distance wimmer.
''She will help up round out as a four stroker," said Giambruno. "She is still developing, but I look for her to do well."
There are six freshman women, including Port Allegany, Pa.'s Kieston Kio.
"She is tough as nails and never quits. She will the sprint lanes and I expect her to get us some points," said the coach.
Corry, Pa., native Victoria Matteson comes to JCC as a four-stroker and will compete in fliers.
"She's going to help us a lot,' said Giambruno. "Victoria is very confident and I believe her work ethic will make her a standout."
Chautauqua Lake graduate Erin Holley will be a sprinter and also compete in the back and breaststrokes and freestyle events.
"She works hard and does a good job for us," said the coach.
Emily Holt comes to JCC from Frewsburg's excellent program which means expectations will be high for her, as they are for Akin.
"I expect good things from her and she'll swim the IM, mid-distance and breaststroke,'' Giambruno said. ''She is very driven and focused and she wants to win."
Maple Grove's Allison Derby will add depth as a flyer and freestyler.
''She will be a lane filler and will be plugging spaces on relays. She is a very tough swimmer, " said Giambruno.
Rounding out the JCC team is Allison Chitester, another Frewsburg graduate.
"She is a nice young lady, a versatile team player and will be tough,'' the coach said. ''She's a four stroker and will swim distance and some mid distance for us."
Giambruno knows he has a quality team, one that's been built through a lot of hard work and his goal for the upcoming season remains simple.
"I expect to be in the top five at regionals" he said. "We have a really strong core of men and women and there's no reason we can't be successful."
JCC SWIMMING SCHEDULE
Nov 3 - at Genesee CC Invitational, 1 p.m.
Nov. 7 - at Monroe CC, 6 p.m.
Nov. 14 - Genesee CC, 6 p.m.
Nov. 17 - at Herkimer County CC Invitational, 1 p.m.
Nov. 30-Dec. 2 - at Monroe CC Invitational, 6 p.m.
Dec. 5 - Mercyhurst North East, 6 p.m.
Dec. 15 - JCC Invitational, 1 p.m.
Jan. 12 - at Herkimer County CC Invitational, 1 p.m.
Jan. 19 - at Monroe CC Invitational, 1 p.m.
Jan. 23 - Alfred State College, 6 p.m.
Jan. 26 - JCC Invitational, 1 p.m.
Feb. 2 - at Genesee Invitational, 1 p.m.
Feb. 15-17 - Region 3 Championships at Monroe CC, 10 a.m.