Six Rye High and two Blind Brook senior swimmers were honored February 28 at Hommocks School Pool during the last home meet of the season against visiting Ossining.
By Mitch Silver
Six Rye High and two Blind Brook senior swimmers were honored February 28 at Hommocks School Pool during the last home meet of the season against visiting Ossining. After the Diving and before the 100 Butterfly, each senior on the combined Rye-Blind Brook-Rye Town team was given a single red rose by the coaches — Lara Vivolo, Michael Panzarino, and Melanie Dilascio — for his contribution to the team.
Coach Vivolo noted, “From kids with just one year on the team to a boy with seven, starting in Middle School, these guys gave everything they had.”
Receiving roses were Anthony Castro, Jackson Burke, Nick Leon, Dillon Kelly, George Krikorian, Gabe Girotto, Jeremy Engle, and Noah Broch.
Then it was back in the pool as Rye completed its 100-73 victory over the Indians. Noteworthy swims included Frank Pauwels in the 500 Free; he finished in 6:08, chopping eight seconds off his best time. And Andrew DeStabler completed the 100 Backstroke in an excellent 1:03.2.
Four days later, the team took to the water at SUNY Purchase for the season’s closing Divisional meet. League powers Horace Greeley and Fox Lane came in one-two, as expected. Not so expected was Rye’s third-place finish, fueled by the seniors and some outstanding underclassmen.
Liam Egan took the 100 Freestyle and placed second in the 200 Individual Medley, qualifying for States. He also played a key part in Rye’s two medal-winning relay efforts: the 200 Medley Relay (with Gabe Girotto, Dillon Kelly and Pat MacAuley) and the 100 Free Relay, teaming up with Girotto, MacAuley, and Ryan Cicchiello. MacAuley, too, will be going to States in the 500 Free.
Michael Ackert took second in Diving, and Gabe Girotto came in third in the 100 Breaststroke.
The following day, Coach Vivolo was still beaming. “Yesterday went great. We had so many swimmers get personal-best times; a coach can’t ask for a better final performance than that!”
