South Brunswick Swim Teams Both off to 2-0 Start

While the two South Brunswick High School swim teams appear to be in different stages of growth, they both managed to start the season 2-0 last week.

"The boys team looks like it is going to have another strong year," South Brunswick Coach John Harding noted. "We only graduated four seniors last year and we welcome back some very talented swimmers."

Included in the list of returning swimmers is Tyler Blackburn, who owns the school record in the 200 free (1:47.69) and 500 free (4:54.97). Blackburn and Ryan Finch, another returning swimmer, are also a part of South Brunswick's record-setting 200 free relay team (1:31.52).

Blackburn qualified for the state tournament in the 200 free, 500 free and 200 free relay. Finch made the state tournament as part of the 200 free relay and 200 medley relay.

Lincoln Harris, yet another returning swimmer, qualified for the state tournament in the 500 free, 100 breaststroke and 200 medley relay.

Coach Harding also noted Jeff Chan is another returning swimmer that can be counted on to help the team.

"Newcomers James Wu and Harrison Kudwitt also will be contributing immediately," Coach Harding said.

Other members of the boys swimming team are Justin Atkinson, Kevin Atkinson, Paul Gramieri, Joey Grant, Tommy Grant, Paul Inguardi, Cory Holsten, Sam Lu, Greg Toma, Nicholas Wereszczak, Nayan Sanjiv, Rishi Patel, James Mazzola, Nate McDermott, Ian Moritz and Yash Kothari.

The boys opened the season with a 111-59 win over Piscataway on Dec. 5. The girls, while not as experienced, also turned in a great opener with a 119-59 win. Both teams also posted wins over Marlboro on Dec. 9.

"The team was led by Emily Charniga and Cindy Shi, both Juniors that won two events." Harding noted of his girls squad.

Shi has the school record in the 200 free (2:00.32) and 500 free (5:23.95). Shi was also on the school's record-setting 200 medley relay (1:56.01), 200 free relay (1:45.47) and 400 free relay (3:48.77).

Shi was a state qualifier in the 200 free, 200 medley relay and 400 free relay.

Charniga was a state qualifier in the 200 medley relay and 400 free relay. She's also a part of the school record-setting 400 free relay team.

"Newcomers Samantha Chan and Christina Napoli will be a big part of the team," South Brunswick Coach Harding said.

Harding is also expecting Sam Sterner, Kristina Gatchalian, Kristen Lally and Cindy Tang to score a lot of points.

The other members of the team are Vivian Li, Stephanie Machlis, Erika Moritz, Christina Napoli, Jacqueline Pan, Tessa Trach, Allison Tiao, Rachel Szachara, Emma Rusbarsky, Juhi Vazirani, Lahiru Pathiage, Pooja Narayanan, Shaksum Chadha and Gowri Cheepurpalli

The team will be looking to rebuild after losing ten to graduation last year," Harding said.

Harding, in his 15th year as coach, will do what he can to get the new swimmers ready to succeed. Harding will be helped by returning assistant coach Lorie Ruina. Rebecca Nyquist, a new assistant coach this season, is also there to help guide the boys and girls.