THE MHS boys swim team swam to an excruciatingly close meet against Burlington.
Narrowly edged by Burlington, 87-82, last week
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High boys swim team has returned to its winter season in fine form, and last week, fought to the finish against friendly rival Burlington on Dec. 15 in an 87-82 loss.
This year, Melrose has ten returning swimmers and three new swimmers who will be sure to keep Melrose competitive in 2023. That includes their seniors Jonah Peters and Ben Terentiyev, both captains, and Damian Am. “As a team, even though we are the same size we are definitely deeper and more versatile than last year,” says Melrose head coach Alex Pennachio. “Our returning swimmers came back a lot stronger and our new swimmers are all experienced and making immediate an impact.”
Two swimmers are currently close to qualifying for the post season: Ben Terentiyev in the breaststroke and the 200IM and freshman Jos Baranyi in the 50 and 100 freestyle.
“Our new swimmers are exciting to watch,” says Pennachio. “Jos is close to his postseason cuts. Owen Molway is one of our most versatile swimmers and has been able to step into any event we put him in to. And Nik Johansson has been an extremely important part of our relay teams.”
Suiting up for Melrose overall are Damian Am, Jo Baranyi, Owen Brodeur, Owen Erelli, Arthur Hitchman, Gabe Hunnicutt, Zach Hunnicutt, Niklas Johansson, William Lowe, Owen Molway, Dan Muller, and captains Johah Peters and Ben Terentiyev.
As in every season, their meets against Burlington remain must-see. “Coach Meegan and I swam as captains for Coach Papagno at Burlington High,” says Pennachio. “Even back then the Burlington/Melrose swim rivalry was strong. Unfortunately, this year Burlington had more depth, though we some close races. Most swim meets have a clear winner before the meet is over, but a Burlington/Melrose is always close which brings out the best of the swimmers. “
Going into Burlington, Melrose showed progression since their opening meet against Watertown-Arlington, which they lost. “Almost every swimmer swam faster than the meet we had two days before, and many swimmers improved their best times from last season. There were a lot of positives that came out of that meet.”
Coming up next is a January 3 meet on the road at Lowell. The boys hope to ring in the new year with a well-earned victory. Stay tuned.