SWIMMING SENSATIONALLY

By BRENDAN O’LEARY

The boys’ swim team has continued their spectacular streak to start off the season in the best way possible.  The Wizards, with a record of 4-1, have outswam tough teams such as New Paltz, Marlboro, FDR, and Cornwall.  They have a bright future ahead of them, with only a few teams being able to match their talent. 

The only loss the boys have suffered this season came last Tuesday, December 19th, against Monroe, who is debatably the best team in Section 9.  This will probably not be the last time the Wizards will face them as both teams are expected to make a deep run into the playoffs.  Captains Jack Palmer and D.J. Quinones have been performing excellently and have been a huge contributing factor to these wins. 

BRENDAN O'LEARY FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Throughout the offseason and the beginning of the current season, all of the swimmers have been working rigorously on their individual skills in attempt to reach the team’s final goal of the year.  Co-captain, Jack Palmer, seeing the team and fellow swimmers train throughout the year, explained that,  “Most of the team was working all summer on what they needed to work on, and that allowed us to come out strong.  Our team goals are to have a winning season and ultimately put a banner on the wall.”  

These statements about the offseason goals, as well the team’s main objective, were emphasized by co-captain Jack Palmer who also stated that his “personal goals are to make three events for sections and to just be a good overall leader who brings the team to a winning season.”  Jack is very confident in this year’s team and thinks that they have much potential and a bright season ahead of them as shown so far.  He will continue to compete in the 100 yard Breaststroke and 200 yard Individual Medley.

Another essential leader to this team is co-captain D.J. Quinones.  He had a tough task ahead of him from the very start of the swim season.  “Moving on from football season was probably the hardest obstacle so far since it is such a different game and the transition is very quick between seasons.”  He faced the tough transition of moving from the field to the pool.  

Being a two-sport athlete at the varsity level is never an easy task to perform, but D.J. has clearly put in the hard work and endless effort to make sure that he is the best he can be at each.  So far, D.J. has set his season best times which also qualify him for sections.  These times include 23.80 in the 50 yard Freestyle and 54.33 in the 100 yard Freestyle.  Jack and D.J., continuing to lead the team as well as perform in their personal events, will make the Wizards a hard team to beat and a scary sight for the rest of their opponents.

The Wizards will look to continue their hot start to the season as they begin to play the tougher teams around the section.  Come support your fellow Wizards as they have some of their toughest meets ahead of them.