The Bristol Co-op Mens Swim & Dive team completed their regular season at the CCC South meet Friday night in Meridan. The team just edged out Middletown for a 2nd place finish to powerhouse Meridan.
The team had 27 best times, additional State L cuts, 6 first place finishes, 3 new team records and 4 CCC Meet Records!
“It was a phenomenal meet and experience! The group was coming off injuries and illness, yet were able to pull together and fill in the holes, so it is truly humbling to see their faces of joy and success,” stated Coach Adrienne Bentley.
Bristol began the meet with a first place win aew CCC South Meet record, from there the energy just continued with senior Mikel Palaj setting another CCC South meet record and team record in the 200 IM. Mikel was not done at this point, as he went on to win the 500 free, setting a new team record and helped his team mates set yet another CCC South meet and team record in the 400 Free relay.
“I think the team went above and beyond, everyone was there for everyone no matter what. As for me, being my last season I would never thought it would come, I never thought four years would fly by so fast. I am so glad everyone, made it a meet I will never forget from team mates to coaches to other swimmers on other teams. I just want to say thank you to everyone for an awesome four years!” Senior Captain Mikel Palaj said.
Senior Nathan Stellmach took that energy he generated during the Medley Relay record setting to win the 50 free, claim the CCC South meet record in the 100 breast and once again help his team set the records in the 400 free relay. Nathan’s seed time in the 100 breast was faster than the previous record, so it was just a matter of time to see if he would capture the crown. And he did! “Our performance, really showed the outcome of lots of hard work and dedication. Everyone on the team came into the season with a purpose and a plan. Along with genuine support for one another, we were all able to perform our best and break records. It was a great way for the seniors to leave their mark. I want to thank everyone for making my transition into yet another swim program welcoming and incredibly easy,” Captain Nathan Stellmach said.
Sophomore Aidan Collins secured another spot at Class LL States with 3rd place finish and his best time in the 50 free. Collins, a valuable part of the 200 Medley relay, achieved best times splits in the relay and in his 100 back stroke.
Junior Davis Kroll scored 2nd with a best time in the 100 free and 3rd in the 100 back. In both the 200 Medley and 400 Free relay, Kroll had best time splits to help his team set both the 200 Medley and 400 Free relay records.
Senior Captain Noah Taylor scored 3rd with season best times in both the 200 free and 100 fly, along with swimming a strong leg in that record breaking 400 free relay.
Junior Jedric Sutula qualified for State LL in diving and had a personal best time in the 100 back.
Ryleigh Dionne had his best times in the 200 IM and 500 free with 6th place finishes in both events. Quentin Hernandez – 50 free and 100 fly, 9thplace. Luke Losacano – 100 free and 100 back, 9th place finish.
Bristols 200 Free relay placed 3rd with a best time of 1:40.49. Aidan Collins, Jacob Wilson, Thomas Masotti and Noah Taylor.
Other best times were reached by Jacob Wilson in the 50 free, Krzystof Popielarz in the 100 breast, Cristian Cortina in the 100 fly, and Julian Alvia in the 50 free and 100 back.