Swim Teams Split Meets to Open Season
It was an exciting atmosphere at the Somerville YMCA as the boys’ and girls’ swim teams competed in their first-ever Skyland Conference dual meet. The girls’ team defeated Rutgers Prep, 101-68, to earn their first win while, the boys fell to the Argonauts, 125-42.
Leading the way for the Knights on the girls’ side with two wins each were Becca Michaels ’20 and Maddie Soultanian ’22. Michaels touched first in the 50 (27.12) and 100 (59.36) freestyles while Soultanian won the 200 individual medley (2:28.87) and 100 backstroke (1:07.66). Also grabbing individual first place finishes for GSB were Kelsey Breuer '20 in the 100 breaststroke (1:30.56) and Olivia Soultanian '22 in the 200 freestyle (2:26.34). The relay teams of the Soultanian sisters, Michaels, and Laura Howard ’21 were also victorious in the 200 (1:56.34) and the 400 (4:14.47) freestyle relays.
“I thought the girls had a great first meet,” said Head Coach Nolan Silbernagel. “Everyone swam fast, especially for it being so early in the year, and it is always nice to get that first win out of the way. Hopefully we can build off this and keep the momentum going.”
While the boys’ team was unable to win a race during the meet, the Knights still had some impressive swims to begin the season. The boys’ 200 medley relay of Jonathan Osma ’20, Adrian Massuet ’20, Rob Brandl ’20, and Jake Baber ’21 opened the meet with a time of 1:54.81, just .15 seconds off the school record. Osma continued the strong performances, setting school records in the 200 individual medley (2:29.00) and 100 backstroke (1:05.72).
“I was very proud of the boys and how they battled throughout the meet,” said Silbernagel. “Despite the score, the kids really did swim well, and almost setting three school records in an opening dual meet is a true testament to that. I am excited to see them build off this and get some wins down the line.”
Gill returns to the pool on Wednesday, December 11, against Somerville.
Gill St. Bernard's School
Gill St. Bernard’s is a private, coeducational day school for students age three through grade 12, located in suburban New Jersey. Each of the three school divisions provides a rigorous, meaningful, and age-appropriate curriculum, and all students benefit from the environmental learning opportunities that exist on our 208-acre campus.