NORTH CALDWELL–On Tuesday evening, the Summit Sharks faced their toughest test of the season, fighting both 100 degree heat and a talented North Caldwell team. The Sharks rallied late in the meet, winning 6 of 7 relay events, to eventually defeat North Caldwell, 223-183.
"I'm happy we were able to win, but we did not swim to our potential today," Sharks head coach Ryan Hauptman said. "We were missing a few kids, it was really hot, and there were no starting blocks, but those aren't really good excuses. We've been teaching the fundamentals to our swimmers so that they'll be able to handle any type of condition."
Although Summit had a few key swimmers absent from the meet, including veteran Laurel Repsha, the Sharks outmanned the smaller North Caldwell squad. Having additional swimmers helped the Sharks come away with their third consecutive victory.
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"This was a very close meet," Hauptman said. "(North Caldwell is) the smallest team in our division, and sometimes in swimming numbers can equal success. So it's important that our kids show up at every meet ready to swim."
Midway through Tuesday evening's meet, Summit and North Caldwell were neck-and-neck. But as they've done all season, the Sharks dominated the relay races at the end of the meet to pull away from the competition. Two of the more exciting relays featured Dan Byers (Mixed 200 Free Relay, 13 & Over) and Connor Demm (Mixed 100 Free Relay, 8 & Under), who each held onto their narrow lead in the final leg of the race.
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"We've done really, really well in relays all season," Hauptman said.
Summit is now undefeated at 3-0 and have solidified their spot among the top teams in their division. Coach Hauptman hopes the Sharks will enjoy this victory but continue to stay focused on the larger goal.
"Last year we dominated our first four meets and then got a little overconfident and lost a few close ones," Hauptman said. "We can't let that happen again this year."
The Sharks host Fairfield this Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Summit Family Aquatic Center. Summit defeated Fairfield 269-153 earlier this season.
Sharks v. North Caldwell Highlights (by age group)
15 and over
Girls: Sarah Runo took second place in the 50 freestyle (37.03) and the 50 backstroke (44.39). Kelli Houck finished a close third in the 50 backstroke (44.86).
Boys: Loring Bowen placed first in the 50 freestyle (27.01) and the 50 butterfly (28.74). Dan Byers took first place in the 50 backstroke (36.84).
13-14 years old
Girls: Jackie Joffe took first place in the 50 freestyle (31.26) and the 50 butterfly (34.37). Meghan Lees finished first in the 50 backstroke (41.25).
Boys: Ryan Sebastian placed first in the 50 backstroke (31.44), the 50 breaststroke (38.47), and the 50 butterfly (31.62).
11-12 years old
Girls: Angharad Healey placed first in the 100 IM (1:28.92) and the 50 butterfly (39.11). Sandra Bazalar and Audrey Hannigan took 1st and 2nd place, respectively, in the 50 freestyle and the 50 backstroke. Juliana Nociari finished first in the 50 breaststroke (49.96).
Boys: Jacob Ragan finished first in the 50 backstroke (53.27). Kevin Gettings took first place in the 50 breaststroke (54.09). Matt Samay placed first in the 50 butterfly (40.11).
9-10 years old
Girls: Katie Samay finished first in the 25 butterfly (21.32) and second in the 25 freestyle (18.59).
Boys: Jackson Tyler and Deacon Donaldson took 1st and 2nd place, respectively, in the 25 freestyle. Tyler also took first place in the 25 butterfly (20.01). Conor Fagan placed first in the 25 backstroke (20.41).
8 and under
Girls: Megan Gregory took first place in the 25 freestyle (24.18). Grace Hauer finished second in the 25 breaststroke (35.54).
Boys: Will Hedges placed first in the 25 freestyle (19.15) and the 25 butterfly (23.58). Zowie Vukasinovic and Connor Demm took 1st and 2nd place, respectively, in the 25 breaststroke.
