FAIRFIELD–On Monday evening, the Summit Sharks swim team outscored Fairfield 269-153 to win their opening meet of the season. The Sharks consist of over 90 swimmers representing five different age groups.
"I was really impressed with our performance today," Sharks head coach Ryan Hauptman said. "We were actually a little shorthanded today–a few kids had other commitments–but I thought we did really well. Everyone's stroke techniques and their starts–the little things that can make a big difference–were there. Things like that usually come together at the end of the season, after you've been practicing for a few weeks, but today we showed that we're much further along than I thought."
The Sharks set the tone early, winning 10 of the first 11 races at Fairfield Community Pool.
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"We got off to a really good start today, which was important," Hauptman said. "I consider the freestyle one of our weaker strokes–I think we're stronger at the strokes later in a meet–but we won a lot of freestyle races early on today."
The Sharks, in fact, won 9 of 10 freestyle events on Monday evening.
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"More than the kids swimming fast, getting off to a good start gets everyone excited and makes them feel like they want to be a part of it," Hauptman said. "It's important to get off to a hot start, especially in early season meets and at away meets. When the kids are excited and cheering, it motivates everyone else. It makes a big difference."
Although Coach Hauptman noted that his team would have to fine-tune certain aspects of their performance, such as starts and turns, he acknowledged that Monday's dominant victory would be a confidence booster for his team.
"This was a great start to the season," Hauptman said. "The kids are really excited. It's definitely something that everyone can feel really good about."
The Sharks (1-0) host Millburn on Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Summit Family Aquatic Center.
Sharks v. Fairfield Highlights (by age group)
15 and over
Girls: Laurel Repsha finished first in the 50 backstroke (38.41), the 50 breaststroke (41.90), and the 50 butterfly (36.47). Fellow Shark Marissa Jennings finished first in the 50 freestyle (32.18).
Boys: Chet Joffe finished first in the 50 breaststroke (40.81), while Loring Bowen won the 50 butterfly (27.38) and the 100 IM (1:07.35). Dan Byers finished first in the 50 freestyle (27.10) and the 50 backstroke (36.84).
13-14 years old
Girls: Jackie Joffe placed first in the 50 backstroke (37.84) and the 50 freestyle (29.59).
Mixed Relay: Joffe paired with Dan Byers, Loring Bowen, and Nicole Bazalar to win the 13 and over mixed 200 freestyle relay (2:01.68).
11-12 years old
Boys: Matt Samay finished first in the 100 IM (1:29.22), the 50 butterfly (37.59), and paired with Conor Fagan, Jacob Ragan, and Jackson Tyler to win the 12 and under 100 medley relay (1:25.65). David Ragan won the 50 backstroke (45.68), the 50 freestyle (34.41), and the 12 and under 100 freestyle relay along with teammates Noah Ragan, Ben Powell, and Deacon Donaldson (1:14.84).
9-10 years old
Girls: Katie Samay placed first in the 25 freestyle (17.06) and the 25 butterfly (19.75). Leila Esposito placed first in the 25 breaststroke (27.75), and paired with teammates Hannah Burke, Juliana Nociari, and Angharad Healey to win the 12 and under 100 medley relay (1:27.87).
8 and under
Boys: Will Hedges took first place in the 25 freestyle (19.16) and the 25 butterfly (22.94).
