The Bonackers hosted West Islip on Jan. 18 in a crucial swim meet that paired two undefeated League II teams against one another. In the end, East Hampton prevailed 93-83.
The Bonac 200-yard medley A relay set the tone out of the gate — with a time of 1:39.14 — winning by just .6 seconds and qualifying for the New York State meet with a massive drop of more than 5 seconds. The B medley followed with a 1:57.43 finish, a more than four-second improvement. Craig Brierley, the head coach, said their opening 10-4 lead inspired the entire team.
“Both teams came in excited and ready for a battle,” Brierley said. “And that’s exactly what we got: a close, intense duel that went down to the final event. Every event, every swim mattered. We traded wins, but our depth kept us in control.”
Liam Knight, a senior captain, produced one of those key wins, a .07-second victory in the 50-yard freestyle splash and dash. Knight’s fellow captains selected him as their swimmer of the meet for that race and several other clutch moments. Knight anchored the medley relay with a personal-best time of 21.47 seconds, helping to secure the team’s state-qualifying cut. He also took first place in the 50-yard freestyle with another lifetime best of 22.63 seconds, including that .07-second touch-out. Knight also finished second in the 100-yard freestyle, and anchored the 200-yard freestyle A relay to a second-place record finish of 1:34.01 while dropping yet another personal-best time of 21.64 seconds.
“They called him out for his racing prowess and the sheer determination he brings to give his absolute best in every single event he swims,” Brierley said. “Liam doesn’t just compete; he elevates the entire team. His work ethic, consistency, and leadership are inspiring his teammates to push harder and reach higher levels. The captains see it, the team feels it, and the results show it.”
The list of personal bests at this meet reads like highlights from an all-star showcase. The 400-yard freestyle C relay team of Carson Diamond, Chris Walters, Will Salinetti, and Colin Grisch posted a personal-best time of 4:42.44. Nick Chavez swam personal bests in the 200-yard medley relay with a 24.70 for his 50-yard backstroke and in the 100-yard backstroke with a 53.97. Jasiu Gredysa swam personal records of 28.12 for his 50-yard breaststroke in the 200-yard medley relay and 51.49 for his 100-yard freestyle in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Aidan Menu swam personal-best times of 24.85 for his 50-yard butterfly in the 200-yard medley relay, 2:15.50 in the 200-yard individual medley, and 24.24 for his 50-yard freestyle in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Carson Diamond reached personal records of 38.02 for his 50-yard backstroke in the 200-yard medley relay and 1:13.06 for his 100-yard freestyle in the 400-yard freestyle relay.
Walters achieved personal records of 38.46 for his 50-yard breaststroke in the 200-yard medley relay. Colin Grisch swam personal bests of 34.31 for his 50-yard butterfly in the 200-yard medley relay and 32.25 for his 50-yard freestyle in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Salinetti swam personal bests of 30.14 for his 50-yard freestyle in the 200-yard medley relay and 1:08.28 for his 100-yard freestyle in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Martin Milazzo swam a personal best of 2:25.35 in the 200-yard freestyle. Ralph Carballal swam personal bests of 2:28.63 in the 200-yard freestyle, 28.49 in the 50-yard freestyle, and 1:01.36 for his 100-yard freestyle leg of the 400-yard freestyle relay. Zeb Ryan reached a personal best of 1:01.85 in the 100-yard butterfly.
Luca Speranza swam a personal record of 6:20.95 in the 500-yard freestyle. Sebastian Ruiz swam two personal bests: 6:59.57 in the 500-yard freestyle and 1:21.31 in the 100-yard breaststroke. Owen Grisch swam his best 500-yard freestyle with a 6:59.64 finish. Oskar Merseburg’s 24.78 finish was a personal best for his 50-yard freestyle leg of the 200-yard freestyle relay. Sebastien LeChartier’s 54.95 for his 100-yard freestyle in the 400-yard freestyle relay was also a personal best. And last but not least, Kai Greene swam a personal best of 1:03.52 for his 100-yard freestyle in the 400-yard freestyle relay.
“With those results, we’re now 5-0 in League II and 5-2 overall, with just one more dual meet left to close out the dual meet season,” Brierley wrote. “A huge thanks to our volunteer timers — your help makes these meets possible — and to all the families and friends who showed up and cheered; your energy pushes the boys through those tough, close races. Keep it coming!”
