Most Saint Anthony’s students start their long and grueling school days by waking up at the crack of dawn; however, life is a little different for the boys’ swim team. These Friars aren’t waking up at six in the morning—that’s what time practice begins. However, this year they have a little extra motivation when they get up in the morning. After finishing in second place to Chaminade in the League Championship last year, this Friars’ team looks to build on an outstanding 2016-2017 year and take back first place.
Last season the Friars achieved an undefeated record in dual meets (8-0) and secured a second place finish at both the League Championship and the State Championship.
Led by head coach Dan McBride, the Friars look to assert their dominance yet again in the regular season and retake first place in the postseason. McBride expects the team “to continue to compete with the top teams in the league.” He continued, “teams with deep talent are tough to beat, we intend to be one of those teams.”
However, their journey to first place is not going to come without adversity due to the notable departures of former seniors CJ Arena, Conor Rutigliano, and Andrew Stange. Last season, Stange was named and All Long Island First Team swimmer in the 100 and 200 Freestyle. Stange also made it to the All Long Island 1st Team for the 200 Medley Relay along with Conor Rutigliano and current Juniors Michael Chang and Justin Meyn.
The losses to the roster may seem as if they will hinder the team’s success in the future; however, this young team is revamped and eager for another dominating and prestigious season.
When Junior Dylan Champagne was asked about how the team will respond to the team’s departures, he remarked, “we lost a couple of top swimmers to graduation, so we’re counting on our younger guys to really step up and fill their places.” Champagne, the best 500 freestyler in New York, also added, “we have some good freshmen and transfers, and I feel that we have a team that can fight to retake the league title from Chaminade, and produce another top three finish at the State Championship.”
The Friars have had top-three finishes at the State Championship three years in a row, including a championship in 2016. This young and robust squad will look to make it four straight years with a top-three finish, and hopefully bring another State title back home to South Huntington.
The Friars will be led by Champagne, All-Americans Michael Chang and Justin Meyn, and many other upperclassmen including Ian Fitzpatrick, Connor Towers, Jordan Fargo, Burke Sansiviero, and Michael Stoski, the heart and soul of the team. Michael Chang emphasized that “our team, and the junior class especially, has acquired extreme depth.” Chang also noted, “our older guys have a void to fill, especially with the loss of a few key members.” The roster is evidently talented and Chang believes that the team “has what it takes to be NYCHSAA champions again, and maybe even NYSPHSAA Championship contenders.”
This Friar’s team is ready and poised to take on the challenges and obstacles this season will entail. The grit and determination of these young men in the pools will not go unrecognized and will be supported heavily by the loyal Friar Faithful.
About The Author:
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Greg Law Greg Law is a Junior at Saint Anthony’s High School, writing for his third year with the Friar Scoreboard. He is on the Golf team and is a member of the Student Council and NHS. |
