Senior-heavy St. Joseph High School boys swimming team is on track to defend its conference title for a 35th consecutive season.
The Metuchen powerhouse has a 4-1 season record so far, losing only to state champion Christian Brothers Academy. Its two top swimmers are performing well, and the Falcons have a talented supporting cast.
Senior co-captain Ethan Louie, a Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament champion and the 2012 Home News Swimmer of the Year, said he’s pacing his goals for the season.
“I feel like I’m in a good position at this point in the season for what I want to achieve,” said Louie, who swam his fastest high school time in the 500 free against Old Bridge (4:46.72).
“Outside of CBA,” Louie added, “I have a perfect record, personally.”
Louie is tied in points for first place with Andrew Nesbitt, who is also a GMC champion and state-ranked senior. Nesbitt clocked the second-fastest high school time for the 100 free this season (47.79).
Other seniors such as Matt Rein, AJ Horta and Jon Napolitano also are clocking good times.
“We’ve performed well, so far,” Whittington noted. “We still have a lot of improving to do to match with teams like CBA and the other state powers.”
Vikings moving along
South Brunswick’s girls swimming team is 5-1 for the season, losing only to last year’s GMC champion Bishop Ahr.
“We’re swimming solidly, the girls are working hard and nicely,” said John Harding, who coaches both the girls and boys squads. “Times are dropping – hopefully we’ll be hitting our stride in time for the GMC championship.”
The Vikings came in third at the 2012 conference finals.
Harding singled out senior co-captain Cindy Shi, a GMC medalist who last season notched school records in the 200 and 500 free, as a key component to his team’s success.
“She’s very versatile,” Harding said. “And she’s training very hard right now in preparation for the season.”
The boys squad is 5-1 this season, losing only to St. Joseph, the 34-time defending GMC champion.
“They’re doing well,” Harding said. “A lot of guys have improved. The younger guys are getting the opportunity now and some have stepped up to fill in for the graduates.”
The Vikings lost a chunk of experience – eight seniors graduated last year, and the team recently lost a strong club swimmer – but several underclassmen are clocking good times. Harding commended three swimmers: junior Jeff Chan, and sophomores Harrison Kudwitt and James Wu.
“They’re leading the team pretty well,” Harding added. “And Michael Wu (no relation to James) is contributing as a freshman – he’s very versatile.”
Bishop Ahr girls adjusting
After moving up to the Red Division this season, the two-time defending GMC champion Bishop Ahr girls haven’t seen that much action.
Former assistant coach Amanda Miller, who started her first season at the helm, said the girls faced only Mother Seton and South Brunswick for a 2-0 record.
“We’re in the pool this week against Old Bridge and Woodbridge,” Miller continued. “And we’ll see several teams at the Pirate Invitational on Saturday.”
Senior co-captain Michelle Kierencew said the team is building up.
“We’re facing a new set of opponents (from the teams the Trojans met in the White Division), but I’m pleased with our performance, so far.”