“I tell them at the beginning of the season that the seniors are my least favorite because they’re leaving this year, so I don’t like them anymore,” said Craig Brierley, the head coach of the East Hampton girls swim team. It’s something he has said in jest to his seniors for years. At their last home meet, though, he tearfully reminded them of the proud tradition they represent.
“It’s all part of it. We’re excited for them to move on. As a tradition, before the meet, we gather and I show them team pictures from years past and tell them that they are part of the foundation of the future as they look at who built the foundation for them today,” he said.
At their final home meet on Oct. 21, a 90-75 victory over Sachem, Bonac seniors — Kimi Atiencia, Alison Cardozo, Evann Castillo, Maya Dias, Ginger Griffin, and Sky Hand — dived into the pool for their ceremonial last lap. Their parents and teammates cheered them on from the pool deck before giving them flowers, crowns, and sashes. Brierley said this group has exceptional energy and excitement.
“They are very supportive of their teammates and they cheer all the time, and as leaders, they make sure they look out for the team. Every year it’s a special group, and these guys didn’t disappoint,” he said.
While the regular season is over, the Bonackers still have plenty of swimming left to do. With the league championships in Hauppauge yesterday behind them, they will head to the county tournament next week and the state championship in November.
“We transition into the next phase of the season,” Brierley said. “We just get back to work and get everything sharpened and ready to swim fast because it’s now championship season.”
