Highlights From Winter Athletics

By Brian Muldoon

Swimmers Seize Crown

The Exeter girls varsity swim team pulled away from a talented 12-team field to win the New England Division I Championship in March. An impressive 92.5 points separated Big Red from Andover, the tournament runner-up. Mena Boardman ’26 earned individual titles in the 50 freestyle (22.67) and 100 freestyle (50.37), and Brianna Cong ’25 claimed a crown in the 100 backstroke (54.97).

“I’m so proud of our team,” girls varsity swim coach Nicole Benson says. “What a remarkable team experience in what was a remarkable year. Many kudos to our seniors — Claire Fu ’23, Amy Benson ’23 and Nat Kpodonu ’23 — for building a team and building a legacy, and for leaving our program better than when they arrived: a true mark of non sibi.”

First place has been a familiar spot for girls swimming. In the 50 years of girls competing in the New England Prep School Swimming Association, Exeter girls have won the division title 17 times. This was Big Red’s first title since a three-year run of championships from 2010 to 2012.

WINTER E/A

While Andover bested Big Red in five contests on the day, the boys varsity basketball team brought home quite a thrilling victory. Knotted at 48-48 at the end of regulation, Mike Loughnane ’23 nailed two free throws in front of a boisterous Love Gym crowd with under five seconds to play in overtime to give Big Red a 56-55 win. Loughnane hit five 3-pointers and was 6-for-6 at the free-throw line, finishing with a game-high 27 points.

Performances from Exeter dance groups POMS and ABS, along with energetic tunes by the newly formed Pep Band, helped deliver, win or lose, an extraordinary atmosphere for hundreds of Exeter’s and Andover’s most supportive students, families and alumni fans.

On The Mat

Nathan Puchalski ’23 led the charge for Big Red wrestling as he claimed a Class A title at 144 pounds before qualifying for Prep Nationals. Puchalski has committed to wrestle for Johns Hopkins University.