They said this was the match-up they were most preparing for. And, if their victories are any indication, that preparation was worth it.
Morristown High School's boys and girls swimming teams took on Mendham High School on Thursday, Dec. 15. Both Colonial teams were able to come away with a win against Mendham, which was supposed to be one of the more difficult teams they would face all year. The boys were able to win with no problem, while the girls had to pull together to overcome a very talented opponent.
Things went according to plan for the boys as they placed in the top three in every event and, even more impressive, were able to place a swimmer in first place in every single event. They won in points and won early as they were never behind on the score card.
Junior Ryan Swift was at the top of his game all evening as he took first place in every event he swam. He racked up impressive times in the 200 Meter Individual Medley (2:30.48) and the 100 meter Freestyle (1:00.71). Swift was able to "swiftly" out swim the best Mendham had to offer.
"Its always nice to put up good times … I love doing good against a team that is a tough match for us," he said. "It just shows that when we go to States that we're going to be ready for whatever comes at us."
After beating a talented team like Mendham, Swift couldn't help but to focus on the rest of the season. "I'm glad we beat Mendham. Mendham was a big win for the girls and its great they were able to pull one out," he said. "For us, Chatham and Seton Hall are some big ones that I'm looking forward to."
Despite having some of the best times out of everyone who competed, Swift still said he hopes to improve as the season goes on. "I swim club all year round and I'm always practicing," he said. "Once some of the bigger meets come, I'll make sure to rest a little more. With the rest I should be able to get some really good times."
Junior Gregory Macchia showed his versatility in both distance and mid-distance events. Macchia took first in the 200 meter freestyle with a time of 2:11.64. Macchia was virtually untouchable in the 400 meter freestyle, as he picked up speed early and never looked back, leading the pack by a solid half a pools length eventually finishing in first with a time of 4:44.61.
The girls appeared to be matched up evenly against a strong Mendham team who stayed close in points through the first half of competition but eventually Morristown pulled away as the meet progressed. For the girls, the meet was a test to how good of a team they were as it will be the highest form of competition they expect to see all season.
Senior Diedre Esposito swam strong all evening as she took first in all of her individual events. Esposito caused excitement in her 50 meter freestyle sprint as she out-touched her opponent, beating her by a hands-length with a time of 27.68. She repeated success in her 100 meter freestyle as she took first again with a time of 1:08.28.
Sophomore Rachel Emodi finished second in both her individual events with respectable times. Her 400 meter freestyle was an impressive demonstration of conditioning as she finished with a time of 4:41.61. Her 200 meter freestyle was outstanding as well, as she finished with a time of 2:26.24.
"I knew it was going to be a good meet, especially for the girls, competition wise," said swimming head coach Donna Gelegonya. "I knew they (Mendham girls) had four really good swimmers among others who really stepped up. We knew we were really going to have to work hard. I tried to put the best meet-sheet together as possible and it really worked out today."
The team as a whole was able to accomplish several feats on the night as they were able to qualify a girl's relay team for States and break a school record. Gelegonya is also now focusing on the future meets, as the season is far from over. "This was a big one today, Chatham is going to be another test for both our girls and boys," she said. "We are going to work hard to make sure we do well against them, too."
The Colonials next face Livingston High School, at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21.
