Friday, November 14 (Fairless Hills, PA) - Conwell-Egan Catholic High School (CEC) proudly announces the formation of its first-ever swim team, marking a historic moment for the school and the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL). Leading the inaugural program will be Coach Brandon Rapone, a veteran educator, accomplished swimmer, and longtime coach with deep roots in the Catholic school athletic community.

Coach Rapone brings more than a decade of experience as both an educator and a swim coach. A graduate of Holy Family University with dual certification in Early Childhood and Special Education, Rapone has served as a teacher in Archdiocesan schools for several years. His coaching career includes eight seasons with the Archbishop Ryan High School swim program, where he worked with both the boys’ and girls’ teams under Coach Ed Macko. During his tenure, he developed individualized training plans, mentored student-athletes in and out of the pool, and helped foster a culture of teamwork and perseverance.

Rapone’s own swimming career began at Archbishop Ryan, where he was a four-year varsity swimmer, team captain, and multi-year MVP. He went on to swim competitively for Shippensburg University, qualifying for the PSAC Championships in his freshman year.

“I am honored to help launch Conwell-Egan’s first swim program,” said Rapone. “This is more than just a new team, it’s the start of a legacy. Our goal is to build a program that emphasizes discipline, sportsmanship, and school pride, while helping every swimmer reach their fullest potential. A new season, a new coach, the same love for the water - let's dive in!"

Student Leadership Paves the Way

The creation of CEC’s swim team was made possible in large part through the vision and determination of Orla Jacoby ‘27, a dedicated student-athlete who spearheaded the effort to establish swimming at CEC. After swimming last season with Little Flower Catholic High School, Jacoby recognized the opportunity to bring the sport to her own school community. 

Jacoby had the support of CEC Athletics, as well as Math/Science teacher Mrs. Gori, to swim as a “team” of one last season, even qualifying for the District and PCL finals.

Orla Jacoby '27 represented CEC Swimming last season in PCL competition.

Jacoby and CEC Math/Science teacher Mrs. Gori at a meet earlier last year.

Her advocacy included gathering student interest and working with school leadership to secure official sanctioning from the PCL for CEC’s inaugural swim team.

“I loved that I got the opportunity to swim and represent CEC with Little Flower last year, but I always dreamed of swimming for my own school,” Jacoby said. “To see CEC officially join the league and have a team of our own, it’s surreal. I’m so excited to help build something lasting for future Eagles. Most of all, I’m excited to finally be able to do relays and represent CEC fully.”

Looking Ahead

CEC’s swim team will begin official competition in the 2025–2026 PCL season, with practices set to begin later this month. The program will provide opportunities for student-athletes of all experience levels to compete and grow in a supportive, faith-centered environment. The team will practice at the Fairless Hills YMCA just down the road, but no meets will be held at home for the Eagles this season.

It’s important to note that while this is the first team in CEC history, Bishop Conwell did have a successful swim team during their time from 1965-1993.

“Adding swimming to our athletic offerings reflects CEC’s commitment to providing diverse opportunities for our students,” said CEC Athletic Director Mike Miller. “With Coach Rapone’s leadership and the passion of our student body, this program is set up for success from day one.”