Munsee

With a sense of team unity and a sincere focus on both the individual as well as relay events, the Lenape Valley High School swimming program (girls and boys teams) are getting well prepared for the winter season.

The Patriots are scheduled to face Kittatinny at the Kittatinny High School Aquatics Center on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Key returning varsity experienced student athletes returning for the Patriots this year include Cailin Brennan (senior, backstroke), Savannah Becker (junior, freestyle), Jessica Bongiorno (junior, butterfly), Ashley Herman (senior, freestyle), Peyton Noe (senior, freestyle), Tim Jecko (sophomore, butterfly), Grayson Petrie (senior, freestyle) and Mackenzie Walsh (sophomore, backstroke).

Among the promising newcomers working hard to make a positive impression on the varsity level for Lenape Valley are Avery Brennan (freshman, breaststroke) and Erin Winkelman (freshman, breaststroke).

The more experienced competitive swimmers on the roster will be looked upon as leaders for the program this winter season.

“I am looking at Greyson Petrie and Cailin Brennan as our team leaders,’’ Lenape Valley coach Jessica Jacobellis said. “They are both returning varsity swimmers who excel in many different events. They are not only gifted athletes but they are leaders to our underclassmen as well and will guide them through the upcoming swim season.’’

The Patriots finished with very good 3-1 and 5-0 dual meet records for the girls and boys teams, respectively, last season.

They have lofty goals this winter indoor season.

“I would like to see both the boys and girls team qualify for the (NJSIAA) Team States,’’ Jacobellis said. “Last season they both just missed the qualifying cut but this season is looking a lot more positive.’’

Lenape Valley competes in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) North Division.

“I am hoping for both the boys and girls teams to repeat as NJAC North Division champs,’’…

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Angel Hogan, volunteer with the Philly Goat Project, introduces Goat Ray to attendees at the Philly Goat Walk and Lenape Nation Talk event on Saturday, Nov. 29th. | BRIAN NELSON / THE TEMPLE NEWS

As the sun reached its high peak on Saturday — golden, watchful, almost ceremonial — the air settled into a crisp autumn sweetness. About 100 people gathered at the Awbury Agricultural Village grounds, wrapped in scarves and kept warm by boots that crunched leaves with each step.   

Fingerless, fleece, woolen and mismatched gloves held fast to the promise of warmth, adventure and goat-induced mischief.  

The third annual Philly GOAT Walk, hosted by the Philly Goat Project and Lenape Nation Talk, invited attendees to walk on grounds layered with the footsteps of Lenape lineage. The procession began at Awbury Agricultural Village grounds and made its way back towards herding grounds after a session of cultural insight at the Arboretum.   

Attendees arrive at the Awbury Arboretum. | BRIAN NELSON / THE TEMPLE NEWS

“An event like this teaches us to appreciate the importance and merit of diverse stories and histories,” said Leslie Jackson, Philly Goat Project’s director of operations.  

The afternoon opened with words from the Philly Goat Project team before a lively meet-and-bleat session. 

Then Barbara BlueJay Michalski, Chief and Keeper of Culture of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania shared a brief message setting the tone for the journey ahead. 

Leslie Jackson and Chief Barbara BlueJay Michalski lead the group through the Awbury Agricultural Village. | BRIAN NELSON / THE TEMPLE NEWS

“If one person leaves with a little more knowledge about what happened to our people, my job is done,” Michalski said. 

During the journey, Michalski offered Lenape folk stories and facts, stitching the past and present together with each tale. Conversations bloomed between neighbors and strangers alike, a connection through shared curiosity and rediscovering heritage.  

Attendees walk through the Awbury Agricultural Village toward the Arboretum. | BRIAN NELSON / THE TEMPLE NEWS

The journey crossed Washington Lane, where stories deepened. One story shared was of the Pine Tree and Sparrow, a legend that explains why pine trees stay green and full year-round.  

The group paused by a pond where geese honked their hellos and looped around the Arboretum. Shadows lengthened as the procession returned to the herding grounds, where Michalski and Jackson offered closing reflections. 

Merchandise at the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania stand….

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GYMNASTICS THIRD TEAM ALL-STATE

Devan DiSanto of Lenape performs on floor during the NJSIAA Individual Championships at Brick Memorial High School in Brick, NJ on November 9, 2024.Richard O’Donnell | For NJ Advan

Devan DiSanto, Lenape, Jr.

DiSanto stepped up in a big way for a Lenape team that was among the state’s best this season. As a junior, she qualified for states and finished Top 20 with a score of 35.625. DiSanto improved as the season went on and will be a force once again in 2026.

Julianna During of Jackson performs on beam during the NJSIAA South Jersey Sectional Championships at Manalapan High School in Manalapan Township, NJ on November 2, 2024.Richard O’Donnell | For NJ Advan

Julianna During, Jackson Township, Sr.

During is back on All-State to end a very successful career at Jackson. She has excelled on beam over the years and this led to a score of 9.4 during states. She qualified as an all-around competitor as well. During helped lead a strong program in Jackson and got better as an individual over the course of four years.

Erin Gengler, Hillsborough on the the bars during the Gymnastics State Team Championships at Brick Memorial High School in Brick, NJ on Thursday, November 6, 2025Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

Erin Gengler, Hillsborough, Fr.

Gengler finds herself as an All-State selection in her first year, setting the stage for what can be a successful career. She helped Hillsborough finished fifth in the state while also being a threat all-around. Gengler was the second-highest scorer at sectionals with an all-around score of 36.35 while finishing third on floor…

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