Treble Sisters Excel At State Championships

Friday, 07 December 2012 00:00

Molly and Cara lead

Massapequa girls swim team to successful year

Sisters Molly and Cara Treble recently shined at the NYSPHSAA swimming and diving championships at Ithaca College. Molly placed first in the 500-yard freestyle to win the state championship with a time of 4 minutes and 52.27 seconds. In addition to setting a Massapequa record, she is automatically an All-American. In addition, Molly placed third in the 200-yard freestyle with All-American consideration. She finished this event with a time of 1 minute and 50.73 seconds.

“She’s a great kid and a very hard worker,” said her coach, Natalie Gallagher. “She’s very dedicated and is a very versatile swimmer. During the season, you could put her in any event and she does her best.”

Gallagher, the Massapequa girls varsity swimming coach, says she was extremely impressed by Molly’s determination in the 500-yard freestyle. The coach said that Treble was vying with another competitor before just accelerating through the final four laps to earn the victory.

Younger sister Cara also had a fine day. The freshman competed in the 200-yard freestyle consolation and finished with a time of 1 minute, 55.84 seconds to shatter her own Massapequa record and finish 15th overall in the state. She had placed third in Nassau County for this event. In addition, she competed in the 100-yard freestyle, finishing with a time of 52.97 seconds, which also breaks the Massapequa record, which she held. Cara also finished 15th overall in the state for this event.

“She is young and has so much potential,” Gallagher remarked about Cara. “You can put her in anything for the benefit of the team. I only see great things for her and I know next year she is going to be in that final and knock them out.”

Gallagher added that, while it’s natural to compare the two siblings, they are actually different swimmers. Cara is more of a sprinter, while Molly excels at longer distances. However, they both are talented and share a commitment to their teammates, as well as a positive attitude.

“These girls do not ask for recognition, they want to have fun,” Gallagher said of the sisters.

The coach also had praise for the entire team, which finished 6-1 in their conference and placed fifth in Nassau County, a Massapequa best. The Trebles joined with Casey Signorelli and Sarah Woods to finish third in Nassau County in the 200-yard freestyle relay, combining for a time of 1 minute and 45.77 seconds. Gallagher said that the team members go on a 45-minute bus ride, each day to Brentwood, where the team practices and also hosts it meets. The girls usually get home at 8:30 p.m., but remain enthusiastic and dedicated.

“They have a good attitude and just come together at all times, not just at the right time,” said Gallagher. “It’s a coach’s dream. They have a lot to look forward to.”

The team also gave back to the community. They participated in “Swim For A Cure,” in support of the fight against breast cancer. The team wore pink swimming caps, and each member wore the name of someone affected by the disease on their arms. The event raised about $600. In addition, they also did a fundraiser to support Cohen Children’s Hospital and the battle against pediatric cancer.

“They’re a very giving team,” said Gallagher.

The coach praised senior Melanie Sheehan, who is also the valedictorian. Sheehan is one of the captains of the team.

“Melanie is always helping everyone do their homework on the bus,” said her coach. “She’s getting my sportsmanship award.”