Charney claimed a state medal at the state competition as she took eighth in the 50 free. It made her just the sixth swimmer in Jersey Shore history to reach the podium.

To say Charney is motivated to get back and improve on her 2023-24 season would be an understatement.

“Reese is very motivated to return to the state meet and continue to drop time in her events. She is capable of competing in different events this year if she chooses to do so,” Jersey Shore coach Kelly Butzler said. “We will wait and see what the competition looks like in District 4 to decide which events she will swim.”

Charney isn’t the only Bulldog who had a standout season last year, and many return for Jersey Shore.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Jersey Shore's Lila Nestlerode swims in the 200 yard IM during a District 4 Class AA swim meet at Williamsport Area High School on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.

The Bulldogs bring back a total of five district qualifiers in Brooke Charney (50 free, 100 free), Macy Wilton (100 fly, 100 back), Lila Nestlerode (200 IM), Caitlin Ross (200 IM, 100 breast) and Kate Butzler (100 back). Kate Butzler was a silver medalist last year in the 100 back, and all five saw success at the district meet in their various races. In addition, three of those talented swimmers were two-event qualifiers at the District 4 championships.

And with those returning with experience, Butzler sees all being capable of getting back to districts this season as well.

“With the district qualifying time standards aligned with other districts this year, I expect most, if not all, of my returning swimmers to qualify. We also expect our relays to be very competitive this season,” Butzler said. “We anticipate many swimmers will find themselves on the podium in almost all the events this season. They have worked hard in the offseason to improve their technique so now we can focus on conditioning and speed.”

Jersey Shore added some freshmen and new swimmers this year to the roster, bringing the total that will swim for Butzler to 19 (15 girls, four boys).

“This gives us a lot of depth which we lacked the previous two seasons,” Butzler said. “We have some attainable and lofty team goals this season. Let’s just say we will be very competitive in District 4.”

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Jersey Shore's Macy Wilton swims in the 200 yard Medley Relay during a District 4 Class AA swim meet at Williamsport Area High School on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.

The younger swimmers on the roster not only give the Bulldogs depth, but also will help in various events with competition and Butzler sees them all being contributors to the overall team success.

“We have a few freshman, sophomore, and new swimmers who will contribute to our success,” Butzler said. “We are really excited and the experienced swimmers are excellent role models for our younger swimmers.”

Those freshmen who will help the team include Nathan Grant, Jazzlyn Jolin, Aralynn Kimble, Nathan Klugh and Trenton Myers while sophomores Alexis Frey, Alaina Samar and Alison Sweeley will look to make impacts as well.

Last year, the Bulldogs didn’t have any boys swimmers on the roster. Butzler is glad to have four on the team this year.

“As long as all four stay healthy, we will be able to field relays,” Butzler noted.

Coach: Kelly Butzler

Assistants: Mikayla Rich, Brandon Davidson

Returning state qualifiers: Reese Charney (50 free, 100 back)

Returning boys district qualifiers: None.

Returning girls district qualifiers: Brooke Charney (50 free, 100 free); Macy Wilton (100 fly, 100 back); Lila Nestlerode (200 IM); Caitlin Ross (200 IM, 100 breast); Kate Butzler (100 back);

Remaining roster: Sierra Derr, jr.; Alexis Frey, so.; Nathan Grant, fr.; Jazzlyn Jolin, fr.; Aralynn Kimble, fr.; Nathan Klugh, fr.; Addison Miller, jr.; Trenton Myers, fr.; Jayden Passetti, jr.; Rhian Prowell, jr.; Alaina Samar, so.; Alison Sweeley, so.; Makayla Wrench, jr.