Summer swim season highlights in Maplewood Shout Outs

The Maplewood Makos kicked off their 2026 summer swim season with a home victory against Morris Township, followed by a challenging meet against the West Orange Wave.

 

Under the leadership of Head Coach Valerie Houghton, now in her second year, the team shattered five pool records during the meet on Monday, June 29.

[object Object]set a new benchmark in the 100-yard individual medley, finishing in 1:03.97.

 

Leonor Genung surpassed her previous record in the 25-yard breaststroke with a time of 21.07 seconds.

 

Meehan also excelled in the 50-yard breaststroke, clocking 33.68 seconds.

 

The 13-and-over medley relay team, comprising Peyton Meda, Liliana Scoon, Liam Scoon, and Mason Keith, achieved a team record of 1:16.81.

 

Additionally, the 8-and-under freestyle relay team, featuring Leonor Genung, Hadley Henkel-Lorenz, Thomas Keenan, and Ned Aglione, matched this impressive time.

 

Coach Houghton highlighted near-record performances, noting that Ned Aglione was just 0.06 seconds shy of the 8-and-under freestyle record.

 

Liliana Scoon came within a second of the 13-14 girls’ breaststroke record, while Caroline Lembrich was less than half a second away from the 15-and-up 50-yard backstroke record.

 

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In celebration, swimmers from all age groups playfully pushed their coaches into the Maplewood Community Pool.

 

The 11-12 coach, Keith Mason, known for holding multiple records, initially resisted but eventually joined in the fun.

 

On Thursday, July 2, amid record-breaking heat, the Makos faced the West Orange Wave at the Ginny Duenkel Pool.

 

Despite their best efforts, the team experienced their first loss to West Orange in two years, having swept them in the previous summer.

 

Looking ahead, the Makos have a series of meets scheduled:

 

July 7: Away at Madison

 

July 9: Home vs. Verona

 

July 14: Home vs. West Orange

 

July 16: Away at Morris Township

 

July 20: Away at Verona

 

July 23: Home vs. Madison

 

In addition to the swim season, Maplewood is buzzing with summer events.

 

The annual Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival is set for July 11-12 at Memorial Park, featuring performances by Anders Osborne and Lettuce.

 

Residents can also look forward to the Gazebo Summer Concert Series, with performances scheduled on July 17, 24, and 31.

 

These events offer a perfect opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the vibrant local culture.