At the final home meet of the season, on Jan. 20, the Bonac boys swim team honored its seniors: Ralph Carballal, Pema Edwards, Dylan Knapik, Liam Knight, Zeb Ryan, and William Salinetti. Senior Night was made all the more special thanks to a 92-83 East Hampton win over Deer Park. With the victory, the Bonackers end the season as the undefeated champions of League II.
“It’s been a while since we’ve had a strong team like this. The guys work hard. They really came together this year,” said Thomas Brierley, one of their coaches. “I’ve watched Liam grow up and it’s awesome to see him swim his last race here. Glad to be a part of that. Grateful to be a part of that, same with Dylan, Pema, the whole crew. It’s awesome to be able to come home and win it at home.”
Luca Speranza led the way with the biggest time drop of the meet. He took first place in the 200-yard freestyle, improving by 9.2 seconds for a 2:21.07 finish. He also swam a personal-best time of 1:03.60 in his 100-yard leg of the 400-yard freestyle relay. Carballal took third place in the 200-yard freestyle, shaving off 4.5 seconds for a 2:24.16 finish. In the 100-yard freestyle, Oskar Merseburg finished in fourth place, swimming a 57.85. That was a 5.2-second improvement for him. He also swam personal-best times of 24.69 in the 50-yard freestyle and 24.04 for his 50-yard leg of the 200-yard freestyle relay.
Jasiu Gredysa qualified for the Section XI meet, swimming a 1:11.14 in the 100-yard breaststroke. That was a personal best. The 200-yard medley C relay of Carson Diamond, Chris Walters, Colin Grisch, and Salinetti swam a personal-best time of 2:23.41. Knight swam a personal best of 25.89 in his 50-yard backstroke in the 200-yard medley relay. Ryan set two personal records: 26.34 for his 50-yard butterfly in the 200-yard medley relay and 25.33 in the 50-yard freestyle. Edwards also swam two personal bests: 32.37 for his 50-yard breaststroke in the 200-yard medley relay and 27.31 for his 50-yard leg of the 200-yard freestyle relay. Sebastian Ruiz swam his 50-yard freestyle leg of the 200-yard medley relay in 26.28. He also swam the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:18.75. Those were both personal records. Salinetti swam his 50-yard freestyle leg of the 200-yard medley relay in 29.29 and his 50-yard leg of the 200-yard freestyle relay in 30.72, both personal bests. Aidan Menu set a personal record of 52.99 in the 100-yard freestyle. Diamond swam his 100-yard leg of the 400-yard freestyle relay in 1:13.16, yet another personal record.
Martin Milazzo achieved two personal bests: 25.86 in the 50-yard freestyle and 26.00 for his 50-yard swim in the 200-yard freestyle relay. The team captains selected the Pierson junior as their swimmer of the meet. Head Coach Craig Brierley said they were impressed with Milazzo’s ability all season long.
“As a first-year member of the team, Martin has progressed quickly in his development as a swimmer and through his hard work, consistency, desire to improve and will to help the team however he can. Martin has become a big part of the team’s success,” Craig Brierley said. “Martin has proven to be a wonderful teammate both in and out of the pool and has earned the respect of the captains, the coaches, and the entire team. Way to go, Martin!”
Tonight, the boys swim in the League II championship meet at West Islip High School. Their next major competition is the Section XI meet on Feb. 7. Both events are a bit of a farewell tour for the team’s seniors.
“They’re my least favorite people on the team — the seniors,” Craig Brierley said with a smile. “I tell them on day one, it’s because they’re leaving. There are a lot of lasts, but as bittersweet as it is, it’s not sad. It’s a wonderful thing. We just look forward to what they’ll become and we look forward to each meet — all their lasts that they’ll be doing and I’m fortunate to be a part of it with them.”
