Bonac boys swimming finished eighth out of 19 schools at the Suffolk County championship meet last weekend, hitting state-qualifying times in the 200-yard freestyle relay and 50-yard freestyle. The team posted 15 personal-best times, with each of the seven competitors achieving at least one lifetime best. Craig Brierley, their head coach, said their performance reflects the dedication, hard work, and passion for competition they’ve shown throughout the season.
“The Bonackers were focused and motivated to give their best to represent themselves and their schools with pride,” Brierley said. “The coaches were thrilled with the efforts the boys put in for each of their races.”
Nick Chavez, a junior from Pierson High School, had a phenomenal day, hitting personal bests in all four of his races. He contributed 51 points and was the team’s top individual scorer. Among his achievements, Chavez led off the 200-yard freestyle relay that qualified him for the New York State meet. He also swam a state-qualifying time in the 50-yard freestyle and placed third in the 100-yard backstroke, which was the team’s highest individual finish. The team captains chose Chavez as their swimmer of the meet for his efforts, which “reflect his passion for embracing the thrill of competition,” Brierley said. “His level of commitment motivates his teammates and raises the level for all. We look forward to his senior season where his leadership skills will help set the standard for the team.”
Liam Knight, an East Hampton senior, added 11 points from his individual events and 42 points from relays. He placed sixth in the 200-yard freestyle and 11th in the 100-yard butterfly. Knight also anchored the state-qualifying 200-yard freestyle relay and led off the fifth-place 400-yard freestyle relay.
Aidan Menu, an East Hampton freshman, swam the 50-yard butterfly leg of the 200-yard medley relay and a 50-yard leg of the 200-yard freestyle relay. He also swam personal bests in the 100-yard butterfly and the 100-yard freestyle.
Oskar Merseburg, an East Hampton sophomore, swam a personal best in the 50-yard breaststroke leg of the 200-yard medley relay. He posted the largest individual time drop of the meet, two seconds, in the 100-yard breaststroke and swam a personal best in the 400-yard freestyle relay.
Dylan Knapik, another East Hampton senior, anchored the 200-yard medley relay with a personal best in the 50-yard freestyle leg. He also swam another best in the 400-yard freestyle.
Jasiu Gredysa, a junior from Southampton, swam in the state-qualifying 200-yard freestyle relay. He finished 12th in the 100-yard butterfly, 15th in the 100-yard breaststroke, and anchored the 400-yard freestyle relay.
Zeb Ryan, another East Hampton senior, was sick and unable to participate. He had qualified in the 100-yard butterfly and would have been in the medley relay. He’ll serve as the alternate and will continue to train with the team for the state meet.
Five Bonackers will represent the team at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Boys Swimming and Diving Championships on March 6 and 7 at Ithaca College: Chavez, Knight, Gredysa, Menu, and Ryan. Their coaches were overjoyed with the work they did to get there.
“The coaches are incredibly proud of how the boys rose to the occasion, embodying the program’s high standards, skill development, and team spirit built over the years,” Brierley said. “They truly earned the right to look in the mirror and say, ‘I did that!’ ”
