Boys’ swimming is not the most glori¬fied sport at LM. Its members may admit as much, but they also know this provides the certain grit and determination needed to compete at the Central League level of competition.
This was not the Aces’ best season, de¬feating only Glen Mills High School early in the season. Despite discouraging results, swimmers like junior Alek Klincewicz and his sister, freshman Nadia, and senior JJ Warshaw continue to perform with excel¬lence. Senior captain Oren Lawit said to his teammates, “Don’t get discouraged, keep on truckin’, and don’t let Alek’s head get too big.” Within that sarcastic comment exists an undeniable sense of brotherhood on the swim team. While they bond in the pool itself, the fun continues into the locker room, as captain Jim Stellato confirmed: “The locker room is always fun – always in high spirits.” The camaraderie extends so far that the squad members have nicknames for one another, including “Big O,” “White Lightning,” “White Chocolate,” “Jimbo,” and even “Pickles.”
Having lost key seniors from last year’s team, this year’s captains, Warshaw, Lawit, and Stellato knew that they had to step it up. In the final meet versus Harriton, Stellato and junior Justin Shapiro rose to the occasion when their team did not have enough divers to compete. Having little to no diving expe¬rience, the two combined to score enough points to put their team into the lead for the second part of the meet.
Despite the absence of proper facilities at LM (i.e. a pool) the team has made St. Joseph’s University’s new campus on City Line Avenue their home. The commute, though not unbearable, is another display of dedication by these swimmers.
This season, Stellato and Lawit were able to achieve high individual accolades. Stellato ascended to the upper echelon of the Central League, competing in the 50-meter freestyle. Lawit also had a successful season, dropping his 50-meter time below 24 seconds, and competing at the top of the Central League in the 200-meter medley relay, a feat ac¬complished by few high school students. As senior captains, it may have been tempting to slack off at times, but these captains take their sport as seriously as anyone. It is their job to make sure everyone shows up to practice and gives 110% effort, 100% of the time.
Although this season may seem unsuc¬cessful, there is a lot of depth on the squad and the Aces are hopeful that underclassmen will step up and provide the most coveted stroke of all-that of success.
Jon Hirsch
Class of 2011
