ROXBURY TWP. – The Roxbury boys and girls swimming teams have already closed out 2016 and are looking forward to 2017 as both of its seasons resume.
Both teams registered victories at Pequannock on Dec. 13 and will have close to three weeks off until both resume with meets at Mountain Lakes on Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 2:30 p.m.
Boys Swimming
The boys swim team improved to 3-0 on the season with a 118-52 victory at Pequannock, highlighted by a school record in the 500 freestyle set by junior Tyler McDonald.
McDonald swam a 4:51.29, taking almost three seconds off the old record of 4:54.14 set by Scott Groel in 2007.
“We have a great group of guys. They really get each other psyched up before the meets. Even when the deck is stacked against them on paper, they step up to the plate and show their true colors. It’s not just a select few either. The whole squad will put every ounce of themselves into every race,” said Roxbury head coach Dan Montgomery.
“I think the girls set a precedent last year by going to the sectional final and now the boys want in too. I’m seeing best times all across the board. McDonald achieved a Meet of Champions cut in the 500 Freestyle that broke the school record. Performances like this, plus increased depth and strength in relays have them feeling good.”
Roxbury 118, Pequannock 52 (at Pequannock, Dec. 13 – top finishers listed)
Medley relay: Roxbury (Aidan Mohren, Ricky Vasconcellos, Christian Gonzales, Tyler McDonald) 1:46.47; 200 freestyle: Eric Bang (RX) 1:52.23; 50 freestyle: Gonzales (RX) 23.72; 100 freestyle: Gonzales (RX) 52.30; 500 freestyle: McDonald (RX) 4:51.29; 200 free relay: Roxbury (Vasconcellos, Jacob Dino, Kevin Pollison, Bang) 1:42.56; 100 backstroke: Mohren (RX) 1:02.34; 100 breaststroke: Vasconcellos (RX) 1:08.88; 400 free relay: Roxbury (Dino, Mathew Ehrenberg, Pollison, Gonzales) 3:48.36.
Girls Swimming
After a season-opening 112-58 loss at Kinnelon on Dec. 1, the Roxbury girls swim team has bounced back in fine fashion, rattling off three straight wins, including a 116-52 road victory over Pequannock, also on Dec. 13.
Roxbury (3-1) posted a triple-digit score for the second time this season as sophomore Brooke Lupinacci (100, 200 freestyle) and senior Moira Fulton (100 fly, 200 individual medley) each posted two victories apiece in its last victory.
“Our girls have been doing an amazing job. Although our first meet loss against Kinnelon stung, I think it has propelled us in the right direction. I’m seeing a greater effort and focus in both practices and meets,” said Montgomery.
“Attention to detail and being comfortable under high stress are two of the keys to swimming fast. Each day is a step in the right direction. No one is prouder of what these girls have done in the past few years than me. They constantly blow me away with their incredible performances and I know we are all looking forward to heading back to counties and states again in the new year.”
Roxbury 116, Pequannock 52 (at Pequannock, Dec. 13 – top finishers listed):
200 freestyle: Brooke Lupinacci (RX) 2:21.40; 200 IM: Moira Fulton (RX) 2:32.33; 50 freestyle: Emily Raedisch (RX) 28.23; 100 butterfly: Fulton (RX) 1:08.27; 100 freestyle: Lupinacci (RX) 1:02.92; 500 freestyle: Grace Byrne (RX) 6:18.26; 200 free relay: Roxbury (Raedisch, Emily Koepfler, Kristin Andlauer, Jenna Shirkey) 1:56.40; 400 free relay: Roxbury (Shirkey, Byrne, Fulton, Lupinacci) 4:18.68.
