Central Swimmers Show Promise in First Meet

The following article and photos have been submitted by Paul Vinh.

The West Morris Central Swim team started the season with a dual meet against Mendham on Wednesday, Dec. 5. Coming to this first meet, the team had been training hard under the direction of a new head coach, Jim Beatrice, and returning assistant coach, Christian Hildreth. This year’s team comprises of 13 seniors, 16 juniors, 9 sophomores, and 17 freshmen.

The girls’ team lost to the more experienced Mendham team. However, the freshmen proved that they had the potential to make a significant impact in future meets. 

Freshman Sierra Castaneda took second in both the 200 Meters IM (2:33.42) and 200 Meters Free (4:52.52). Freshman Briellen Crowley finished third in both events, 50 Meters Free (31.30) and 100 Meters Free (1:00.88). Senior Molly Shannon took third with a time of 1:31.71 in her signature event, 100 Meters Breast stroke. The final scores were Mendham, 131 and Central, 39.

Both the Mendham and Central boys’ teams matched up rather well throughout the meet with an exciting first event, the 200 Meters Medley Relay, that Central was out touched by 0.6 seconds.

Freshman Robby Ambrose took first in the 200 Meters IM (2:29.00) and third in the 400 Meters Free (4:52.62). Junior Michael Schommer finished first in the 200 Meters Free (2:17.85) and second in the 400 Meters Free (4:43.31).  

Junior Aaron Vinh took second (27.06 & 1:04.36) in both 50 and 100 Meters Free.  Junior Troy Antonucci placed first (1:21.28) and Senior Andrew Tamburrino finished third (1:28.91) in the 100 Meters Breast Stroke. 

Senior Devon Holm placed first (1:13.53) and third (2:37.17) in the 100 Meters Fly and 200 Meters IM, respectively. Sophomore Ryan Vinh finished third in the 100 Meters Back (1:24.22). The winner was only decided in the last race, 400 Meters Free Relay. The final scores were Mendham 93 to Central 77.

Central’s next swim meet against Morris Knolls High School will be held at County College of Morris on Thursday, Dec. 12.