Published January 22. 2026 02:51PM
The Northampton boys varsity swim team delivered a powerful, top-to-bottom performance on Tuesday, Jan. 20, defeating the Nazareth Blue Eagles 100–80 in a meet defined by speed, depth, and several standout swims. This meet comes on the heels of a steady streak of wins for the Northampton boys, who have taken the last five meets since their decisive 119-50 win over local rival Whitehall High School back on Jan. 6.
Against Nazareth, the team continued to rise to its competition, and from the opening relay the Konkrete Kids set the tone. Northampton’s 200 medley relay team of Josiah Hippert, Nate Scheirer, Tobias Scott, and Logan Saylor blasted to a 1:38.99 finish, breaking the pool record and securing the first of many momentum-building wins.
Northampton provided a dominant performance with several district-qualifying swims. Henry Schoeneberger continued his breakout season, winning the 200 freestyle in 1:49.57 and later running away with the 500 freestyle with a blistering fast 4:55.48 swim; two stellar district qualifying swims. Senior Nicholas Isaac followed closely behind in the 200 free, touching in 1:53.93 (D cut) and later posting a strong 5:13.67 in the 500 free.
Tobias Scott delivered one of the meet’s most electric swims, winning the 100 butterfly in 52.66, qualifying for district championships and breaking the varsity team record for this event. Scott also posted a district-qualifying 50 freestyle time of 23.11.
The district qualifying swims continued as Saylor added another Konkrete Kids district qualifying time in the 200 individual Medley (2:05.39) and touched first in the 100 freestyle, clocking 50.19 (D cut). Scheirer secured a pair of district qualifying times, swimming 2:05.45 in the individual medley and 1:02.06 in the 100 breaststroke. The dual district qualifying swims continued with junior Josiah Hippert winning the 100 backstroke in 56.78, comfortably under the district qualifying standard and rocketing to a 22.51 win and district time in the 50 freestyle.
While Northampton’s stars shined, the meet was ultimately won through depth with key finishes padded the scoring in key relay legs and individual performances. Reed Burkhart and Shane Foley added valuable points in the 100 Fly, 100 breast. Joseph Kennedy contributed a strong second-place finish in the 100 back and third in the 100 freestyle, and Jaxson Sandt added valuable points in the 50 and 100 freestyle. The B relay squads in both the 200 and 400 men’s free relays out-touched Nazareth’s depth swimmers, widening the scoring gap.
Freshman diver Mason James continued to deliver points for his team; following a breakout score of 157.65 at last Friday’s meet with Southern Lehigh, James posted a 123.70, taking first in the 1m dive event against Nazareth.
The meet concluded with a commanding performance in the 400 freestyle relay, where the powerful team of Scott, Isaac, Schoeneberger, and Saylor powered to a 3:23.75, sealing the team victory to the delight of an energized home crowd.
Multiple district cuts, a relay pool record, and strong performances across every event category highlight a team hitting its stride at the right time.
Coming into this meet, Northampton coach Cullen Mentzell had commented about the depth of his squad.
“We always need the contribution of our swimmers that consistently get first place, but with our group of [sophomore and junior boys] boys continuing to improve, it has added a lot of depth to our team,” he said.
Mentzell continued to say he would need everyone to contribute to secure wins against teams like Nazareth and the upcoming Liberty High School. In Tuesday’s contest against Nazareth Menzel got just what he asked for. With this victory over Nazareth, Northampton not only secured a meaningful EPC victory but also showcased the depth and versatility that have fueled this team’s winning season to date.
The Konkrete Kids will look to carry this momentum into their next home matchup against Liberty High School at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, as they continue their push toward a strong winning season.
Press photo by Aysha NajimJoseph Kennedy swims for the Kids during a recent meet against Whitehall.