Sebastian Wins Every Individual Race of 2013 Summit Swim Season

Swimmer Ryan Sebastian has never lost an individual race during the 2013 season, including his first place wins in the 100 Fly and 100 Breast, which helped the Summit Boys' Varsity Swim Team win the State Title for the first time in Summit High School history on Feb. 23.

The team defeated Moorestown 88-82 at The College of New Jersey. Coach Luke Piede said in a previous Patch article, “It was an extremely competitive meet.”

Although it was never Sebastian’s goal to be undefeated, once Piede pointed it out halfway through the season, Sebastian thought it would be a good goal not to lose any races.

Sebastian says he enjoys both events equally and he is glad he is able to represent the team in both events.

“It’s an honor,” the Summit High School junior said.

Coach Piede said Sebastian is a special athlete whose close victories in his events helped the team win the state championship. “Throughout the year, Ryan separated himself from other top swimmers by his ability to win close races.”

Sebastian looks at Piede as a great mentor, pointing out that he is good at getting the team psyched before a meet and is funny with a great personality.

“He’s a great coach and knows exactly how to make the lineups work,” Sebastian told Patch. “He looks at all the options and chooses the best one.”

Sebastian holds three individual school records in the 200IM, 100 Fly and 100 Breast, Piede said. He was also a part of the relay team, which holds a record in the 200 Medley and the 200 free relays.

Sebastian’s greatest accomplishment this season include competing and winning in counties after returning from Colorado the same day, he said.

Sebastian left a swim camp at Colorado around 6 a.m. and went straight to the meet at 3 p.m., managing to get the best in the 100 fly, his personal best.

The Summit Boys’ Swim Team knew they had a good shot at making it to the championship, Sebastian said.

“We knew we all had to perform at our best,” he said. “We needed the best lineup to get there and we happened to pick it.”

As soon as the last race ended, the team knew all the hard work had paid off, Sebastian stated. “It was such a great moment. I’m extremely proud of what we did.”

Sebastian said his parents were also very proud of him and the team’s accomplishments.

“It’s a great honor to be a part of this team,” Sebastian said. “It’s hard to put into words how proud and excited I am of what we accomplished.”


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