The Bristol Boys Coop swim team pulled out a win against powerful Meridan at the Platt High School pool, 94-91 on Tuesday afternoon. The entire meet came right down to the final relay.
Bristol went into the final relay 7 points behind with 14 points up for grabs, and knew they had to get a 1st and 2nd to win the meet.
The 400 free relay of Krzystof Popielarz, Ryleigh Dionne, Luke Losacano and Noah Taylor knew they had their work cut out for them. After the first leg, they were trailing, but with each additional leg they gained on their Meriden rivals until finally Noah Taylor, on the final leg of the relay, took the lead and never let it go. The victory sealed the win for Bristol.
“That was the best meet we’ve had so far, with a lot of energy and personal bests, I am proud of myself and the team” said Captain Noah Taylor.
Bristol had 17 best times. Bristol took 1st in the 200 Medley Relay, (Davis Kroll, Nathan Stellmach, Mikel Palaj and Aidan Collins).
Davis Kroll had a personal best and 1st in the 200 and 100 free.
Mikel Palaj took 1st place in the 200 IM and 100 Fly.
Nathan Stellmach finished 1st in the 50 free and 100 breast and 400 relay (Palaj, Kroll, Collins, Stellmach).
Other Impressive swims included Noah Taylor with a 2nd in 200 free and a 3rd in the 100 fly.
Miles Jennings had personal bests with 3rd in the 100 free and 5th in the 100 back.
Thomas Masotti took 3rd with a personal best in the 500 free.
Aidan Collins had personal bests with a 3rd in the 200 IM and 2nd in the 100 back.
Aidan Colaianni and Julian Alvia both reached best times in the 50 free.
Luke Losacano also had personal bests in the 100 free and 100 back.
In diving, Tyler Wilson with a personal best and 2nd place finish.
Jacob Wilson had personal bests in the 100 fly and 100 breast.
Captain Nathan Stellmach said, “..everyone did their part perfectly…” and Captain Mikel Palaj said, “As a team everyone was up cheering and pushing themselves to the max..”
Bristol swims at home vs. Conard on Friday at 3:15 from the Dennis Malone Aquatic Center.