Boys swimming preview 2011-12

The conversation on boys swimming in Nassau begins with Great Neck South. After winning their third straight county title, the Rebels and coach Andy Berlin are looking to continue that success this season.

"We just have to work as a team," Berlin said. "We have to continue to be versatile so we're not easy to figure out."

Sam Mo leads an experienced Rebels team that includes 10 seniors and hasn't lost a meet in the past three years. Mo finished third in the state championships in the 100-yard butterfly (50.84 seconds) last year and also took first place in the same event at the county meet (50.69). He also won in the 200 individual medley (1:53.10) and was part of the winning 200 freestyle relay team (1:28.97).

After finishing second in the county championships last year, Bellmore-Merrick coach Rob Kaefer admitted that this season might be tough after losing seven swimmers to graduation. Senior Austin Kowalsky returns as on of the county's top swimmers after taking first in the 100 freestyle (47.42), the 100 backstroke (54.12) and swimming the lead leg in the winning 200 medley relay (1:40.83) at counties.

Jericho looks to improve on a third-place finish in last year's county championships. Coach Richard Stern believes the team's depth will be the key to its success, as the Jayhawks have a wealth of experience with seven seniors and 12 juniors. Juniors Jasper Du, Alex Popescu, and Anthony Istomin will lead the way.

Manhasset senior Peter Magliulo looks to reclaim the diving championship he won as a sophomore after finishing second last year with a score of 381.35.

For the past five years, Half Hollow Hills has dominated Suffolk, winning five straight county titles and going undefeated. But in the first meet of this season, Hills was upset by Ward Melville, 94-92, in a close meet that was decided by the final event.

"I'm looking at it realistically, in no way is it a precursor to what would happen in leagues or counties," coach Jason Wiedersum said. "I want my team to think of this season as we've never won anything, and I think that's gonna set the tone for the way they will compete for the rest of the year."

The Thundercolts are led by senior captains Isaac Vingan, who was first in the 500 freestyle at counties (4:46.28), and Ryan Savit, who is the county's top diver and finished 3rd in the state championships last year (498.90).

Ward Melville coach Chris Gordon said he will not let his team get overconfident after the early-season win.

"I'm telling my guys, 'Now we're the target,' " Gordon said. "Anything can happen at counties, and Hills will be ready, so I have guarded optimism."

Seniors Jonathan Yin, Luis Romero and Matt Endres lead the way for the Patriots.

Senior Andrew Cremer, who finished fourth in the 500 freestyle (4:51.84) and was part of the winning 200 freestyle relay (1:31.79), returns to lead Sayville/Bayport-Blue Point after the team finished second in counties last year.

With perennial powerhouse Fordham Prep usually dominating the CHSAA, St. Anthony's and Chaminade are the top contenders in the battle for Long Island. In last year's league championships, the Friars took second place, just edging out the Flyers, 687-672.

St. Anthony's is led by senior Christian Yeager, who qualified for the Olympic trials in the 200-meter backstroke with a time of 2:04.88. Yeager was also named last year's league meet MVP after finishing first in the 200 individual medley (1:55.03) and breaking the league record in the 100-yard backstroke (51.25). Senior Jack Volpe also returns after winning the diving championship with a score of 412.65.

Chaminade coach Angelo Pelicone admits his team wasn't happy with last year's third-place finish. Pelicone said this year's team has a good mix of experience and youth.

Senior Emmett Johnson, who already qualified for the state championships in four events, will lead the way for the Flyers along with junior twins Mike and Liam Cashin.