Photo by Jack Tumpowsky
By Theo Severud
Sports Reporter
The Newton South boys’ and girls’ swim and dive teams had two close meets on Friday, with the boys coming out on top, 95-91, and the girls falling just short, losing 88-92.
The boys’ captains have made huge improvements late in the season to put themselves in postseason form, working to set an example for their younger teammates.
Captain Andrew D’Annolfo dominated in his events in this meet; he placed first in the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard butterfly with times of 1:47.39 and 0:53.33, respectively. He is looking forward to a strong performance at the upcoming Dual County Meet, followed by Sectionals and States.
Captain Arlen Williams commented on the dominating form of the captains and what that means to the team.
“It’s important because I believe swimming is mostly mental, and having confidence in both yourself and your team is the best way to contribute to everyone’s success as we all try to swim fast during the championship season,” Williams said.
Senior Kristen Miquel has also been in fantastic form, winning the 200-yard medley with a time of 2:22.03 and also winning the 100-yard breaststroke with a 1:11.13.
Captain Colleen McElduff commented on Miquel’s strong performance.
“Kristen has been having an amazing season,” McElduff said. “We missed her last year, but she is picking up right where she left off sophomore year, scoring a ton of points for us. She is such a hard worker and teaches all of us so much about the sport.”
McElduff is also confident that Miquel will continue to dominate.
“She already has the 100 breaststroke record, but I have a good feeling she’s going to lower it, and probably break the 200 IM record too, which has not been broken since 1984,” she said.
The diving has also been looking strong as the regular season winds down, with seniors Jordi Boulerice and Andrea Tartaglia both breaking school records this season.
South looks ahead to competing in the Dual County meet on Friday for the Girls and Saturday for the Boys.
