Beck: A Natural Born Swimmer

Graham Beck made his final appearance for the Danvers High co-ed swim team a memorable one at last Sunday's Division Two State Meet at Harvard University's Blodgett Pool by placing third in the 100-yard breaststroke and fifth in the 200-yard Individual Medley. His performance accounted for Danvers' entire team total of 22 points, placing the Falcons 19th among 37 teams.

Beck's time of 1:00.72 in the 100-yard breaststroke tied the Northeastern Conference record and was 2.09 seconds off the winning time posted by Mike Ren of Wayland. Beck clocked 2:01.54 in the 200 IM, 5.56 seconds off the pace set by Ryan Bobianski of East Longmeadow.

“Graham has had a phenomenal four years. It was wonderful to see him end his career with a very successful state performance. He has been a huge part of our team success and has been a leader in and out of the pool,” said assistant coach Meghan Beaulieu.

Beck was a team captain this year as well along with Patrick Chafe, Molly Lueke and Julianne Hopkins.

“I placed where I wanted to be and my times have improved throughout the year. I wish I had more teammates up on the podium with me, but it was nice with just me and the coach up on the deck,” said Beck.

Beck is a year-round swimmer who took up the sport in the fourth grade as a member of the Dolphins based at the . He competed for the Dolphins through his freshman year before joining the YNS Northshore Sharks of Beverly, which remains his club team. A middle distance specialist, Beck said, the breaststroke has always been his favorite and that he spends as much time as possible in the pool honing all of his strokes.

“Graham [has] a natural talent for swimming; however, he got where he is today with hard work. He practices very hard and works on all aspects of his strokes,” said Beaulieu.

Though he is undecided about where he will attend college or what he will major in, Beck said, swimming will be part of that future.

“That's definitely part of the plan and my goal,” he said.