UPDATED: Video of Chatham Swimming Team's Rally After Winning 1st State Championship

It's the dream of every high school athlete to finish their senior year with an undefeated state championship. According to Chatham High's Maggie Nelson, the reality is even better than the dream.

The Chatham High girls swim team defeated Cherry Hill West, 93-77, on Sunday for the New Jersey Division B Championship at The College of New Jersey to complete a perfect 19-0 season.

"We knew we had a strong team," said Nelson, a senior and one of the three team captains. "To have it all work out for us was just unbelievable. Once we knew we won, we couldn't hold back the tears anymore. We were all just so happy."

Cherry Hill West presented Chatham with its toughest challenge of the year. Chatham had never even scored less than 100 points in any of its previous 18 meets, including a 127-43 win over Millburn to win the North II Division B championship. Chatham also defeated Princeton, 119-51, to reach the state final.

Cherry Hill West, which came into the meet 14-0, ended up winning six of the 11 contested events.

"We got them with their depth," Chatham coach David Steele said. "We had to win some events, but we knew thirds, fourths and fifths would be what got us through."

Two of the wins for Chatham came courtesy of Jess Gorham, just a freshman. Gorham won the 50 freestyle (24.39) and 100 backstroke (59.04). Gorham also teamed with Julia Harrigan, Kate Buchser and Greta Leberfinger to win the 200 medley relay in a time of 1:49.23.

"It's really amazing to be a part of this," Gorham said. "It's going to be sad to see the seniors go, but it's great to know you were part of the team that did so well for them their final year."

Regan Kology is another freshman who won an event for Chatham. Kology was victorious in the 200 freestyle in a time of 1:55.34.

"To be able to help this team as a freshman feels so good," Kology said. "I'm just excited to be part of the Chatham swim team."

Greta Leberfinger had the other Chatham win. Leberfinger was victorious in the 100 breaststroke in a time of 1:05.21.

"To be part of this undefeated state championship team is the best feeling I've ever had,"  said Leberfinger, another of the tri-captains on the team.

"We knew [Cherry Hill West] was good. We knew we'd have to swim up to par—even better than we've been doing—to win. We all did our best and it worked out for us."

Chatham came close to capturing a state championship two years ago when the Cougars reached the final.

But Steele knew this team had the talent to get that elusive state championship.

"We've been thinking about this since the end of last season," Steele said. "We knew we had some talented freshmen coming in and a lot of our girls returning. We knew this year was our best shot."

After months of working on the dream, it became a reality.

"I wouldn't want to win the state championship with any other team," said Anne Trojanowski, a tri-captain. "This is a close bunch that works well together. This was a perfect season."

When the Cougars returned to Chatham, they received a fire truck escort before being greeted at Chatham High by family and friends. More photos and video will be added. Have some footage of your own? Add them to the gallery!

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