Long Beach swimming dominates at first meet of season

Last year, superstorm Sandy severely affected Long Beach. This year, the town has been rebuilding and many residents are back in their homes that were once stockpiled with sand and water.

For Long Beach's swimming team, they're looking forward to a new season in their beloved neighborhood.

Long Beach dominated during the first meet of the season against Syosset on Friday.

"We're off to a good start," coach Woody Davis said. "It's a whole new ballgame and competition is key."

Junior Max Willard took first in both the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:55.92 and the 500 freestyle in 5:08.77.

"He's great and probably one of the best we've ever had," Davis said. "He's a great swimmer."

Junior David Mejia finished first in both the 100 breaststroke in 1:09.51 and the 100 freestyle in 52.97 seconds.

Davis acknowledged that a large portion of his team is young, but he still thinks they'll compete at a high level.

"I have a very young team this year, but the young kids are coming right along," Davis said.

Freshman Matthew Cannon finished first in the freestyle with a time of 24.24 seconds and also placed first in the 100 backstroke in 59.85 seconds.

And how does Davis think his team is going to do this year?

Said the coach: "I don't want to jinx myself, but I think we'll be in the top three."