Wantagh High School is well known for its impressive athletic department. The varsity boys swim team lives up to this standard. With an outstanding conference record of 6-1, the boys prove their strength in every race they dive into. Their devotion for the sport and the guidance given to their teammates push the boys to reach for the stars — or in their case, the finish line.
This year’s senior captains, Mike Avitable, Derek Schafroth and Mike Colaianni shed some light on this year’s incredible season. Schafroth describes that, “the best part of being a captain for me is being able to help my teammates with things they might have been frustrated with or just struggling with. It was nice knowing that I was helping them and making them feel more confident in something that I also find very fun and special to me.” Having fun is what makes participating in a sport all worthwhile. Seeing a captain care so much about his teammates’ well being is so fortifying. Colianni expresses similar feelings of making something you love, fun! He says this is best helped by his love of freestyle swimming. He likes, “its versatility and that freestyle can be both a distance and a sprinting stroke for various events throughout the meets.” It is so clear that a passion for this sport runs through this team. It is known that the strongest leaders have outstanding goals. Avitable proves this when he states that a main goal he wants his team to achieve is “for everyone to break their times, possibly make counties, and build their confidence going into next season.” Avitabile also swam the 50 free at counties where he hit a best time and earned 1st All Conference honors in that event. It’s so refreshing to see a captain want to leave something for his teammates to achieve next season even though he will not be there to guide them. But not as refreshing as a dip in that pool!
Along with Avitable’s win it is important to highlight the all conference winners, Matt Kubis in the 500 free, 200 medley, 200 free relay, and 400 free relay; senior Joe Panella in the 200 medley and 200 free relay; Matt Como in the 200 and 400 free relay; senior Gabe Avitabile in the 200 and 400 free relay; senior Vincent Grogan in the 400 free relay; senior Derek Schafroth in the 200 medley relay; Sean Tinoco in the 200 medley relay; senior Quinn McBride in the 200 medley relay; Thomas Taggart in the 200 medley relay. Congratulations boys!!!
Seeing these leaders of this team conduct a strong sense of harmony, there is a clear idea of unity within this team. With the help of their coach, Mr. Rafferty, this team has seen many victories. “It’s the best dual meet record we have had in some time. I value the leadership of our seniors and the commitment the whole team has shown this year and the captains were essential for fostering this winning culture.” The expression of unity within a team is everything that Wantagh stands for. We see this through all of our amazing athletics. The boys swim team is such a great example of this due to its captains’ abilities to offer insight of coherence. With the proof of a strong record, we can use this team as a blueprint of how to create even stronger bonds with our surrounding teammates, and even classmates. Congratulations on such an outstanding season!!