The 2022-2023 swim/dive season was fast in both fast in times and progress, and even record breaking for the East Islip/Connetquot team. A team of 24 strong dominated Suffolk county’s League I, going undefeated in the season and placing in both leagues, counties, and competing in the states and even national championships. This also was one of the few seasons the boys team has gone undefeated.

Most wins were a breeze for the team, besides close matches between Huntington, Sachem, and a an electric, neck-and-neck meet against Hauppauge. This meet was decided by a disqualification on the opposing team, which was challengeable but was the toughest and most important win in season. School and personal records were broken throughout the season, including the 400 yard relay, 100 yard freestyle, and the 100 butterfly.

After the undefeated season, the team moved on to Leagues, where they placed second. The meet was very close, again a fiery matchup between Hauppauge and East Islip/Connetquot. After leagues, swimmers who met the qualifying times went to Stony Brook University for the county championships. Elite swimmers from the EI team heading to counties were Jack Milligan, Brayden Black, and Max Schwalm. We placed second as a team in the county championship, placing in multiple events like the 50 free, 400 free relay, 100 freestyle, and other monumental events for the team.

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The EI boys roster

After the successful bout in counties, the small squad of C/EI swimmers went to Ithaca for states. East Islip Swimmers Ithaca bound were Jack Milligan and Brayden Black, swimming the 1oo yard freestyle, plus the 400 and 200 freestyle relays. The team went 6th states, breaking school and personal records along the way. The 200 yard free relay took 5th in the state, and the 400 free relay took fourth, breaking the school record by seconds.

There was one more competition left: Nationals. Connetquot’s Tristian Weingarten made the elite and prestigious National championship in Orlando, Florida, sealing the title for C/EI to be the best team on Long Island. “I’m very content of how this season has gone for myself as well as my teammates,” EI states swimmer Jack Milligan concluded. “I made it all the way to States as the number 31 seed. Making the top ten will be something pushing me forward next year.”

Counties back stroker  Nick Wodicka also notes the great success of our season. “I think the team did very, very well year. Probably better than years in the past.”

To close, this recent swim season was incredible for both sides of the team, and this is only the beginning for C/EI’s potential. I will speak for all freshmen on the team and say that we couldn’t have asked for a better first season, and for the seniors a picture-perfect ending to a great swim career.

And finally for our times and records? We can’t wait to crush them next year.