Morristown High Swimmers Celebrate 'Senior Day' With Win Against West Essex

The seniors on the Morristown High School swim team definitely had something to cheer about in their last regular season meet on Wednesday, Febr. 9, when both girls and boys picked up wins against West Essex High School.

Parents took part in "Senior Day" festivities as well in a rose ceremony during a brief break halfway through the meet to acknowledge those graduating 12th-graders who took part in a great swim season.

The mood was relaxed on the pool deck as most MHS swimmers cracked smiles and goofed around to enjoy their last meet before they enter the state tournament. It was strictly business when they jumped in the water, however, as MHS once again displayed another dominating performance.

Leading the girls team was senior Diedre Esposito as she represented her class with a flawless performance. She only raced in two events but easily dominated in both as she is preparing for a great showing in the first meet of the state tournament.

Esposito breezed past her opponents in her leg of the 200 medley relay as she, along with her relay team took first in a great sprinting display. She also placed first in her 100 meter freestyle as she was virtually uncontested with a time of 1:01.81.

“I had a lot of fun today," Esposito said. "It was my last regular season meet as a senior and I enjoyed it. I’m really excited for states now, it should be great.”

Fellow seniors Jenny Shih and Rachel Emody also had a great meet as they both picked up points for the girls. Shih came in second in the 200 meter medley with a time of 2:51.81 while Emody took first in 200 meter freestyle with a time of 2:26.55.

Senior boys had a great showing as well as Andrew Austin came in third in the 50 meter freestyle sprint (29.81). Senior Vinnie Forte had a good 100 meter butterfly with a time of 1:24.64. Forte’s talented sophomore teammate Matthew Ahlmeyer took first in the same event with a time of 1:07.19.

Junior Ryan Swift among other explosive MHS boys swimmers only took part in a few races as they are also resting in anticipation of the upcoming state tournament.

MHS only has a few days to prepare for their first state meet against Mendham on Friday, Feb. 11.