Building a Tradition, One Stroke at a Time - Boys Swimming are New England Champions!

The waiting is finally over. After a string of coming up just a bit short over the last few years, the Boys Varsity Swim team were crowned New England champions on Sunday evening at the Cornerstone Aquatics Club in West Hartford! Coach Ken Pierson’s team had enjoyed an 11-1 dual meet record this season, which included an unprecedented win over crosstown rival Hopkins, and knew going into the NEPSAC meet that they were one of the favorites. However, without any divers this season, the Hornets knew that they would need everyone to come through in the clutch to capture the trophy. Unsurprisingly, then, Berwick Academy of Maine jumped out to an 80 point lead in the morning diving, joined by Avon Old Farms. But the Hornets were not to be denied, and thoroughly dominated the remainder of the meet. In the process, the Hornets broke 2 New England records and set 7 school records, while winning 6 of the events. Kudos to the Girls’ team as well. With just six swimmers, they finished 5th overall out of a field of 11!

Senior captain, Sam Lovejoy, not only led the way, but was presented with the Babcock Swimmer of the Year Award, as voted on by the coaches for New England Division III. He won the gold in the 500 free and was just touched out in the 200 free. Sam, along with Duncan Farquharson, Steven Zhang, and Micheal Ferneini broke the New England record in the 200 Medley Relay. And in his final high school race, Sam, plus Duncan, Michael, and Joe Tenedine also broke the NEPSAC record in the 400 Free Relay. Other 1st Place finishes included:

Michael Ferneini in the 100 Breast (school record)

Duncan Farquharson 100 Back (school record)

Joe Tenedine 100 Free

Needless to say, it was a joyous way for the seniors to finish. Congratulations to Sam Lovejoy, Demir Uslu, and John Bazaar, as well as Riley Kohler, Julia Pandolfi, and Gaileen Andal, for all their efforts over the years. Congratulations, of course to Coach Ken Pierson, who lost his contacts in the post-meet pool celebration, as well as Coach Ann Kohler. Congrats, as well, to the parents, and many thanks for all the support.