South Brunswick Boys Win State Swimming Opener

The South Brunswick High School boys swimming team recorded a 93-77 win over Montgomery in a North Jersey II Division A state meet on Feb. 11.

"The boys team won against Montgomery for our school's first ever state tournament win," South Brunswick Coach John Harding said.

South Brunswick won nine different events.

"Andrew Kudwitt and Ryan Finch went one-two in the 50 freestyle," Harding noted. "Kudwitt won the 100 free as well. Calvin Chiu and Tyler Blackburn were double winners in individual events. Lincoln Harris won the 200 IM (2:06.1), and the boys won two of the three relays."

Blackburn won the 200 free (1:50.92) and 500 free (5:02.84). Andrew Kudwitt won the 50 free (23.28) and 100 free (50.48). Calvin Chiu won the 100 fly (57.63) and 100 backstroke (58.18).

In addition to their individual wins, Blackburn, Kudwitt, Chiu and Harris also were part of victorious relay teams. Blackburn, Jeffrey Chan, Ryan Finch and Harris won the 200 free relay (1:36.93). Blackburn, Harris, Chiu and Kudwitt won the 400 free relay (3:40.3).

South Brunswick advances to swim against Bridgewater-Raritan High School in an away meet in the semifinals on Feb. 14. Bridgewater-Raritan, the top seed, defeated Watchung Hills, 124-46. South Brunswick is the fourth seed.

The South Brunswick High School girls swimming team was defeated by Hunterdon Central, 120-50, in the opening round of the North Jersey II Division A Tournament on Feb. 10.

"The girls team swam well in the first round of the states, but Hunterdon Central was just too much for us," Harding said. "It also didn't help that one of star swimmers (Gess Charniga) was home sick."

Lauren Socienski and Emily Charniga had the individual wins for South Brunswick. Socienski won the 50 free in a time of 26.25. Charniga won the 100 breaststroke in a time of 1:13.18.

"A few of our girls swam personal bests, which is always great to see," Harding said.