Seahawks’ Senior Night is one to remember

Sussex Academy swim teams sweep Polytech in final home dual meet

One of the more emotional scenes came during Gracie Maughan’s senior recognition. The meet against Polytech marked the last home dual meet for the reigning state champion who hasn’t lost a regular season meet since eighth grade. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTOS

Swimming by Gracie Maughan’s side since the age of 5 was Itzel Gomez Sanchez.

Brayden Trout began swimming at the age of 5 and joined Sussex Academy’s team when he was in eighth grade.

Carter Bradley started out as a soccer kid, but by the age of 9, he wanted to swim just like his cousins.

New to the team her senior year, Hannah Carlisle is always one to sport a smile at meets and is a fan of music.

Senior Carter Bradley swims the butterfly during the 200 individual medley.

Senior Itzel Gomez Sanchez takes second in the 200 freestyle with a time of 2:17.03

There’s a good reason the butterfly is Brayden Trout’s favorite event – he’s really good at it. He finished first at 56.24 seconds.

Senior Carter Bradley swims the butterfly in the 200 individual medley.

Senior Brayden Trout shows off his versatility with the breaststroke in the 200 individual medley

Senior Gracie Maughan took first place in the 200 individual medley with a time of 2:14.49.

Senior Hannah Carlisle swims her leg of the 200 freestyle relay.

Senior Brayden Trout finished the butterfly in 56.24 seconds, winning first place for his team.

Senior Carter Bradley swims the 100 butterfly.

Senior Carter Bradley said he made a few splashes here and there during his high school swimming career.

Just after the girls' backstroke event, senior Itzel Gomez Sanchez shares an emotional moment with sophomore Victoria Evans, whom Gomez said has been her backstroke buddy for the last three years.

Senior Gracie Maughan’s time of 1:07.81 in the backstroke notched another first-place finish for Sussex Academy as they topped out in every event during the meet.

Aaron R. Mushrush

January 29, 2024

Event Date:

Fri, 01/26/2024 - 11:15 pm

Swimming by Gracie Maughan’s side since the age of 5 was Itzel Gomez Sanchez.

Brayden Trout began swimming at the age of 5 and joined Sussex Academy’s team when he was in eighth grade.

Carter Bradley started out as a soccer kid, but by the age of 9, he wanted to swim just like his cousins.

New to the team her senior year, Hannah Carlisle is always one to sport a smile at meets and is a fan of music.

Senior Carter Bradley swims the butterfly during the 200 individual medley.

Senior Itzel Gomez Sanchez takes second in the 200 freestyle with a time of 2:17.03

There’s a good reason the butterfly is Brayden Trout’s favorite event – he’s really good at it. He finished first at 56.24 seconds.

Senior Carter Bradley swims the butterfly in the 200 individual medley.

Senior Brayden Trout shows off his versatility with the breaststroke in the 200 individual medley

Senior Gracie Maughan took first place in the 200 individual medley with a time of 2:14.49.

Senior Hannah Carlisle swims her leg of the 200 freestyle relay.

Senior Brayden Trout finished the butterfly in 56.24 seconds, winning first place for his team.

Senior Carter Bradley swims the 100 butterfly.

Senior Carter Bradley said he made a few splashes here and there during his high school swimming career.

Just after the girls' backstroke event, senior Itzel Gomez Sanchez shares an emotional moment with sophomore Victoria Evans, whom Gomez said has been her backstroke buddy for the last three years.

Senior Gracie Maughan’s time of 1:07.81 in the backstroke notched another first-place finish for Sussex Academy as they topped out in every event during the meet.

Sussex Academy’s Class of 2024 swimmers wrapped up their final home dual meet Jan. 26 against Polytech.

“When I touched the wall I realized, ‘oh my God, this is the last home dual meet with [Victoria Evans],” said senior Itzel Gomez Sanchez.

Gomez Sanchez had an emotional moment with the sophomore following the backstroke event. It was one of many tearful moments for the Sussex Academy Class of ‘24 swimmers.

“Funnily enough, I started swimming with Itzel when I was 5; we swam on the same team when we were little,” said senior Gracie Maughan.

Throughout seasons filled with memorable moments, Maughan said her best memory is not only her state title, but also when coach Tom Martiner teared up after she won.

Senior Hannah Carlisle was also recognized for her first year competing on the swim team. The girls claimed first in every event Jan. 26 on the way to a 106-60 victory.

The boys’ team secured a 92-72 win against the Panthers by finishing first in all but the 500 freestyle.

Brayden Trout also began swimming at the age of 5. Similar to Maughan, Trout embraces the team aspect but also likes the individual accountability involved and how it all comes together during relay events.

“My favorite memory was my first year, eighth grade, when I qualified for states at conferences. I wasn’t expecting to because I never swam the 100 fly or anything, and it was the first event I ever qualified for states in,” Trout said.

Trout won both the butterfly and 200 individual medley Jan. 26 and was joined in the pool by fellow senior Carter Bradley for both events. Bradley began swimming eight years ago after first trying soccer.

“I think I made a couple of splashes here. I’m really happy with my career overall at Sussex Academy. I love my teammates,” Bradley said.

Bradley said the support his swim teammates gave him helped him to break out of his shell and he’s made lifelong friends.

“If you think about this senior class, they were freshmen during the COVID year, so they really had a curveball thrown at them both academically and athletically. To see them excel has been a real treat,” Martiner said.

Martiner said the challenge this time of year is making sure the kids are peaking as they head into conferences and states.

The Seahawks will take on Lake Forest at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan 30.